• Understands that IPSV is not "either" domestic violence "or" sexual assault, but is "both-and"?
• Asks about IPSV and explains what it is as part of service intake, following up with appropriate assistance?
• Understands that IPSV is one of the most common forms of sexual assault, and entails the highest levels of physical injury and repeated rape?
• Does not assume that because a woman does not talk about IPSV, it hasn't happened?
• Understands that the co-occurrence of IPSV with battery is statistically more potentially lethal than battery alone?
• Understands that IPSV is as serious and traumatic as other forms of sexual and domestic assault and does not minimise it in any way?
• Understands that IPSV happens in relationships not always characterized by other forms of abuse?
• Understands that IPSV has unique psychological issues to other domestic violence, and does not view IPSV as just another form of abuse?
• Is conversant with what the different issues of IPSV may be?
• Understands that the sexual assault may be important to a survivor for addressing in itself even if there has been other violence, and that filing it simply under the heading of domestic violence can leave the impact of rape untreated?
• Has staff trained in dealing with sexual assault as well as other types of domestic violence?
• If there are no sexual assault trained staff, does this service liaise with sexual assault services and give supported referrals and follow-up rather than telling her to "call a rape crisis service?"
• Facilitates discussion of IPSV as part of support groups?
• Believes that even if a survivor is remaining with a perpetrator, she still has the right to access help from domestic violence services?
• Has a multicultural understanding of IPSV?
• Recognises the importance of clearly naming IPSV as sexual assault, yet understands this can be distressing and has support strategies in place?
• Can empower a survivor of IPSV to see and value her strengths?
• Is completely confidential (excepting if a client is a danger to herself or others, or minors are being harmed)?

Thank you for reading these considerations. If you are sure that your service is IPSV Survivor-Friendly, please click here to go to the Domestic Violence Services database and enter your information.