October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. Forty-five percent of American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced intimate partner violence, and one in seven Native men are a victim of intimate partner violence. IHS has issued its first policy on Intimate Partner Violence which outlines increased access to care and how we can respond effectively to domestic violence.