Domestic violence (DV), sometimes referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), is a complicated and multilayered issue that affects people from various age groups and backgrounds. The COVID-19 pandemic has made things even more challenging for victims and the services that support them. Here’s how you can become an advocate for people experiencing domestic violence. SEE ALSO: The Impact Of Social Media On Our Self-Esteem 1. Believe the Victim Domestic violence thrives through secrecy.