Dean's Welcome

This issue aims to deepen our understanding of IPV, explore the broad spectrum of its impact, and highlight innovative interventions that promise to mitigate its harm. Intimate partner violence remains a critical concern that transcends geographical, cultural, and social boundaries.
Dear Members of the School of Social Work Community,

I am excited to introduce this especially important issue of Connections Magazine, which focuses on an issue near and dear to me, intimate partner violence (IPV). This issue aims to deepen our understanding of IPV, explore the broad spectrum of its impact, and highlight innovative interventions that promise to mitigate its harm. Intimate partner violence remains a critical concern that transcends geographical, cultural, and social boundaries.

As aptly noted, "IPV impacts the lives of women around the globe, and like a virus, it knows no boundaries of class, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, and even gender." This universality underscores the urgent need for informed research and action, themes that will be central in our discussions in the upcoming issue.

The disproportionate impact of IPV on specific populations cannot be overstated. It "disproportionally affects women more than men as well as women living in poverty," pointing to the intersectional nature of this violence. Our coverage will not only shed light on these disparities but also explore the systemic barriers that perpetuate IPV and hinder effective responses.

This issue of Connections will range in content from articles detailing the physical, sexual, psychological, and financial aspects of IPV to interviews with leading scholars and practitioners who are pioneering change in the field. We aim to provide a platform for voices from varied disciplines and backgrounds to share their insights, research findings, and stories of resilience and advocacy.

In this issue, we also showcase the partnerships and collaborations that are central to our mission. By working together with community organizations, government agencies, and other academic institutions, we amplify our impact and reach even greater heights in our quest to make a difference.

I encourage each of you to engage with this forthcoming issue — whether by reading, sharing, or contributing to the dialogue it sparks. It is through our collective effort that we can hope to address and combat the complex phenomenon of intimate partner violence.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the mission of our school. Together, we can contribute to meaningful change and support those most vulnerable among us.

Warm regards,
Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW
Dean and Professor
University of Maryland School of Social Work