The Employee Assistance Program


Understanding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the effort by one partner in an intimate relationship to control the other partner through emotional, physical, psychological, financial, and/or sexual abuse. IPV is a problem that impacts people in all parts of society. In addition to married couples, IPV affects elderly dependents, unmarried couples, and LGBT partners.

 


Recognizing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Questions to ask if you suspect you may be a victim of IPV:

  • Are you afraid of your partner?
  • Are you uncertain of what will happen if your partner "loses it?"
  • Are you isolated from family and friends? 
  • Do you have access to your money?
  • Are you threatened with public humiliation, or physical injury?
  • Does your partner constantly verbally criticize you?
  • Does your partner force you into sex or demand sexual favors?

Questions to ask if you suspect your coworker, friend, or family member may be a victim of IPV:

  • Are they missing excessive time from work?
  • Are they getting an unusual number of personal calls/texts?
  • Are they isolating themselves socially and making excuses?
  • Do they seem to be afraid of their partner? 
  • Are they hiding bruises?

Questions to ask if you suspect you are an abuser:

  • Do you believe you have the right to make all the decisions in the relationship?
  • Do you refuse to listen to your partner's thoughts, feelings, or concerns?
  • Do you try to prevent your partner from having their own life, going to school, work, or getting together with friends and family?
  • Do you lie and hide important things from your partner?
  • Do you try to control your partner’s behavior out of fear that they will cheat on you or leave you?

 


You are not alone!!  Help is available.  Contact the EAP.

For help with IPV or other personal problems, NYC agency employees may call the NYC EAP at (212) 306-7660 or e-mail eap@olr.nyc.gov for confidential assistance.

 


Additional resources:

Safe Horizon (the nation’s leading victim assistance organization)

RAINN (national sexual assault telephone hotline)

NYC HOPE 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE