Abstract
This study examined the perspectives of Victim’s Advocates who work with victims/survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to understand the impacts that IPV has on the academic progress and health of the victims/survivors. Professionals (N=35) working in the California State University and University of California systems who provide direct advocacy to students experiencing IPV and/or sexual violence were surveyed using a non probability purposive sampling method. Study findings indicate that IPV is a public health issue that has the potential to negatively impact academic performance with concurrent mental and physical health issues for victims/survivors. The study findings also lend evidence to the fact that despite the college population’s access to victim advocacy, there are limited and inconsistent education and services. The outcomes of this study evidence the need for programs targeted at improving the academic progress of students who experience IPV while increasing the resources and targeted service delivery through education and early identification.