Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate Partner Violence includes any act of violence or threatened act of violence that occurs between individuals who are involved or have been involved in a sexual, dating, spousal, domestic, or other intimate relationship. Intimate Partner Violence may include any form of Prohibited Conduct under this Policy, including Sexual Assault, Stalking (as defined herein), and/or physical assault. Intimate Partner Violence may involve a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, or may involve one-time conduct. A pattern of behavior is typically determined based on the repeated use of words and/or actions and inactions in order to demean, intimidate, and/or control another person. This behavior can be verbal, emotional and/or physical.

Helping a Victim of Intimate Partner Violence

If someone you know is a victim of relationship abuse, here are ways you can help:

• Avoid shaming the victim. Remember that your friend or family member did not ask to be abused and it may be difficult to get out of a relationship due to a variety of factors including finances, children, dependency issues, and/or lack of a support system.
• Let the victim know that individuals in the UConn Police Department, the Dean of Students Office or the Women’s Center can help them to develop a safety plan.
• Listen to the victim and let them know that you are there to support them.
• Provide a link to the University resources and off-campus resources. Explain to the victim what their options are without making the decision for them.