Interpersonal violence (IPV) can be confusing, overwhelming and difficult to talk about. This page is meant to help you understand what constitutes IPV, who is affected by IPV and where to get support if you or someone you know needs help.
What is IPV?
According to the World Health Organization, interpersonal violence is the use of deliberate force or power against another person by an individual or small group of individuals. IPV can include sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, incest, statutory rape, dating and domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking and child abuse. IPV happens in relationships with romantic partners, families, friendships, workplaces, online spaces or between acquaintances and strangers.
Intimate partner violence is also abbreviated as IPV. Intimate partner violence is a specific type of interpersonal violence that happens within a romantic relationship. When the Camellia Center staff talks about IPV, we are referring to interpersonal violence, as it is the larger category of traumatic experiences for which we provide counseling and advocacy services.
IPV is not limited to physical abuse. Physical violence is when a person uses physical force to injure or harm another person. Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force someone to have sexual contact or intercourse without consent, or reproductive coercion. Emotional violence can be in the form of threats, intimidation or verbal or non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another person. Physical violence, sexual violence and emotional violence are all types of interpersonal violence.
Someone can experience trauma even if an act of interpersonal violence was attempted but not completed. If it harmed you or made you feel unsafe, it matters and you are eligible for our services.
Who is affected by IPV?
IPV affects all communities, regardless of demographic variables. The Camellia Center offers counseling and advocacy services to both primary victims (those who experienced attempted or completed acts of interpersonal violence) as well as secondary victims (the primary victim’s partner, friend, roommate, sibling, parent, etc.).
Support Resources
If you’re unsure whether an experience is considered interpersonal violence, call and schedule an intake with our victim advocate. If you’re not eligible for Camellia Center services, the victim advocate can refer you to an appropriate service provider. You deserve support and options.
Even if you are not affected by IPV personally, there are resources to help you support a friend or learn how to intervene safely.
The Camellia Center
Offers free, confidential, and voluntary counseling & advocacy for UA students, faculty, and staff, as well as Shelton State students and anyone victimized on UA property, who have experienced interpersonal violence.
Breaking Free Support Group
Weekly therapy group for student survivors of interpersonal violence in the UA or Shelton State communities. Group participants do not need to receive individual counseling or advocacy services through the Camellia Center to participate.
Turning Point Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services
Offers counseling, court advocacy, housing assistance, community education, and transitional and rapid rehousing to individuals experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault.
Tuscaloosa SAFE Center
Offers medico-forensic exams (commonly referred to as “rape kits”) performed by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) to provide medical care, treat injuries and collect evidence from survivors of sexual violence.
Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Programs
Offers academic assistance, safety planning & risk reduction, and guidance on filing a criminal report to members of the UA community who experienced sex-based discrimination.
University of Alabama Police Department (UAPD)
Responds to emergency situations and takes reports of misconduct, including interpersonal violence. To reach the Camellia Center after business hours, please call UAPD at 205-348-5040 and ask to be connected to the victim advocate.