Violence

Power-Based Personal Violence

Power-based personal violence is a form of violence that has as a primary motivator the assertion of power, control or intimidation in order to harm another.

This includes partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other uses of force, threat, intimidation, or harassment of an individual. It also includes the use of alcohol or drugs to commit any of these acts. These acts are inclusive of acts committed by strangers, friends, acquaintances, intimates, or other persons.

What do we know about Power-based personal violence in our community?

• Studies estimate that 10 to 20 percent of children are at risk for exposure to domestic violence (Carlson, 2000). Some of these children are now a part of our UK community- as students, faculty and staff- and carry with them the impact of that experience.
• Women students on college campuses face a disproportionately high risk of experiencing sexual violence. UK is no exception.
• Male victims of sexual abuse constitute an extremely under-identified, under-served and frequently misunderstood population.
• The rates of domestic violence in same-gender relationships are roughly the same as domestic violence against heterosexual women. As in heterosexual couples, the problem is likely underreported.
• Persons aged 18-24 years experience the highest rate of stalking.
• Domestic violence is a significant social and public health problem that disproportionately affects women and girls and often results in injury, chronic health problems, and death.

Watch the Entire "HOPE" Speech

Your Connection to Power-based Personal Violence

All of us have a connection to the issue of power-based personal violence. No matter who you are, there is a reason you are browsing this site. Perhaps your connection is a direct experience you have had with violence. Perhaps your connection is that you know or love someone who has been impacted. Maybe your connection is a broader concern for community safety or a commitment to social justice issues. Maybe your connection is just rooted in your desire to contribute something positive in the world. As you navigate through these pages, we challenge you to stay anchored to your connection. The daily reality and human cost of power-based personal violence within our campus community demands that we respond - urgently and immediately. This reality demands that we don't let peripheral things distract us from the goal of effectively intervening, responding to and ultimately reducing violence. We must look past the controversy and missteps that often accompany this issue. We must cut through information overload and a schedule that leaves us too busy. We must act despite the apathy and indifference fueled by thoughts such as, "It's not my issue," or, "It can't happen to me." Within these pages you will find an entry point into doing your part to address power-based personal violence at UK. No one is asking you to get involved with the issue of power-based personal violence, because you already are. We are just asking you to become more conscious and deliberate about your involvement. You are contributing- one way or another. You are acting to stop or interrupt violence or you are remaining silent, allowing it to go on and modeling to others that silence is okay. Take charge of your role. A choice not to get involved is a choice to allow it to continue. Period.

Violence Intervention Prevention Center, University of Kentucky • Frazee Hall, Lower Level, • Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Lexington, KY 40506-0031 • Telephone: 859-257-3574 • Fax: 859-323-3646

Last updated: May 1, 2013. The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university.

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