Dozens of employees, interns and volunteers from VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VCB) wore purple on October 10, 2018, in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo by Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

VA employees wear purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

HARLINGEN, Texas -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VCB) were encouraged to wear purple on October 10 in order to help raise awareness about the serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans.

Veterans Medical Centers across the country did the same as a statement of unity and solidarity for victims of IPV.

 “Thank you to all the VA employees, interns and volunteers who participated and send in their photos,” said Martha Bustamante, the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) program coordinator for VCB.

 “The photos were sent to the National IPVAP Director’s Office to show our spirit of concern for those who experience IPV and those who use the IPV program.”

Individuals interested in learning more about the IPV program can visit: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp

Additionally, VA medical centers across the country have IPV coordinators in place to provide more details about the program or help victims of IPV.

The IPV coordinator for VCB can be reached at 956-366-4500, extension 67717.

Veterans and patients can also ask their providers for help or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline .

National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to help victims and survivors of domestic violence. For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).

Staff members at the Corpus Christi VA Specialty Clinic pose for a group photo while wearing various purple garments on October 10, 2018. The staff wore purple during the month of October in observance of this year's Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo by Sheila De La Vega)