This column by DeShana Collett and Tamara Bennett, Assistant Professors in the Division of Physician Assistant Studies in the UK College of Health Sciences, appeared in the Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015 edition of the Lexington Herald-Leader.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2015) — Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a preventable health problem affecting more than 1 million people in the United States each year. Those affected can be of any sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion, education level or sexual orientation.

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, is the physical, sexual, or psychological harm — including stalking — by a current or former partner or spouse. It is considered an epidemic in the U.S. Read the UKNow article.