Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. Although most people think of violence as a physical act, the term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 percent of women and nearly 10 percent of men in the United States have experienced intimate partner violence.
For “Emma” (name changed to protect her identity), the emotional abuse began almost immediately after she made her wedding vows. While courting, her future husband was tender. “I felt loved and valued,” she said.
But as soon as they married, everything changed in their relationship. “I felt like I was caged in a cell. Everything I needed was out there, but I couldn’t reach it.”
For five years, Emma’s husband controlled her with threats, manipulation and coercion. Without a car or access to her own money, Emma felt trapped and isolated, ashamed to reveal the reality of her situation to anyone.
“I was deeply in love when I married,” she said. “But soon after, I felt betrayed. Of course, all relationships have ups and downs, but this was very different.”
With the help of trusted friends, Emma sought to escape the abusive relationship. Soon after, she visited a Parkland Community Oriented Primary Care health center for medical help. Like all Parkland patients, she was given an abuse/violence screening to determine if she experienced any abuse or violence in her lifetime. She was immediately referred to Parkland’s Victim Intervention Program (VIP)/Rape Crisis Center for help.
Offering support to children, teens, adults and families who have experienced violence or abuse, Parkland’s VIP/Rape Crisis Center provides free counseling, 24-hour response for victims seen at Parkland facilities, help finding emergency shelters, legal assistance and other services. Spanish-speaking staff is available and services in other languages are offered through interpreters.
“Many victims referred to the VIP/Rape Crisis Center have never told anyone about the abuse or were not aware of the services offered at Parkland,” said Melissa Reilly, LCSW, Director of the VIP/Rape Crisis Center. “Along with counseling, our support services include legal advocacy, court accompaniment and assistance with specific victim resources including Crime Victims Compensation and community resources. In case of emergency, Dallas County Hospital District police officers respond to provide protection for victims and staff.”
In 2015, the VIP/Rape Crisis client advocates served 2,490 Parkland patients who reported experiencing abuse/violence. Approximately 314 new VIP/Rape Crisis Center clients received counseling services and 3,410 counseling hours were provided to victims. Client advocates provide crisis intervention and licensed counselors along with graduate and post-master’s interns help provide therapy for victims.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for increased education and awareness about the scope of the problem, assistance for victims and prevention strategies.
“Our overall goal is to help prevent abuse and violence and help victims heal,” said Reilly. “Many of our patients have little or no income, few resources, job skills or social support. We are here to help them especially in this time of crisis.”
Although the memories are still painful, Emma can speak about what happened to her “as an experience that has helped with my personal growth,” she said. “The therapy provided by Parkland has helped me release so many things. I feel I have opened a new chapter in my life. I am moving up and forward.”
Her divorce finalized, Emma now attends school, is active in her community and has reconnected with family and friends. Importantly, she has found the courage to speak to others who may need help.
“I want them to know they can get better, like me. There are ways you can leave that abusive relationship. See your value as a person. Love yourself. Know there’s help. Sometimes we don’t want to get help out of fear. I hope what I say here reaches many women and they are able to make changes.”
For more information about the VIP/Rape Crisis Center at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhospital.com.
