Domestic Violence Progress Report

HRSA Administrator George Sigounas, MS, Ph.D.

"HRSA must continue to highlight Intimate Partner Violence as an important public health issue -- and serve as a leader in addressing IPV prevention," HRSA Administrator George Sigounas, MS, Ph.D. told agency staffers last month.

Fifteen bureaus and offices are involved in the sweeping initiative by the Office of Women's Health.

Dr. Sigounas added that it should not be lost on anyone that domestic violence also contributes to opioid use and maternal mortality: "We know that substance use and addiction can keep women in abusive relationships. We also know that, for far too many women, IPV is a critical factor in pregnancy-related deaths. Nearly half of pregnancy-related homicides are associated with IPV," he said.