The Complexity of Intimate Partner Violence Silence can perpetuate this violence, and, as illustrated in the story of Devineil Brown written by The Ink NYC, silence can be deadly. November 02, 2017 The apartment complex where Brown and Woolford lived together. (Taylor Romine/The Ink) What happens when cultural and structural issues prevent partners from reporting intimate partner violence? In some cases, death. Silence can perpetuate this violence, and, as illustrated in the story of Devineil Brown written by The Ink NYC, silence can be deadly. Dr. Elwin Wu Read the story of Mr. Brown as The Ink NYC examines the complexity of violence between same-sex partners, featuring our own Dr. Elwin Wu and the Columbia University School of Social Work. For more about SIG's work in Intimate Partner Violence, be sure to check out our WINGS intervention developed right here in New York City.