Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Director, Ms. Jennifer Vedral-Baron, will initiate the TVHS Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program in a ceremony at the Women Veterans Healthcare Center on Charlotte Avenue at 10 a.m. Friday, October 27.

The mission of the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program is to implement a comprehensive person-centered, recovery oriented assistance program for Veterans, their families and caregivers, and VA employees who use or experience intimate partner violence.

Intimate partner violence is the most common cause of injury to women in the U.S. Studies suggest the unique psychological, social, and environmental factors associated with military service may contribute to elevated risk of intimate partner violence among Veterans. Deployments, family separation and reintegration, and histories of head trauma, mental illness, and substance abuse can all contribute to interpersonal conflict and increase the risk of intimate partner violence among Veterans.

The TVHS program establishes intimate partner violence coordinators to support area Veterans by facilitating community-based support groups, community-based advocacy and legal services. It will provide access to referrals and coordination with other VA treatment providers as well as connection to domestic violence shelters and homeless services.

The initiation event will coincide with a women's art symposium featuring a variety of mixed-media artwork and a panel of Veterans discussing how the arts influenced their lives.