04 Oct Intimate Partner Violence

Posted at 12:44h in Mental Health, Pregnancy, Sexual Abuse & Rape by JessicaB

1 in 4 women have experienced intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime.¹

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the willful use of abuse or aggression that occurs in a current or past romantic relationship. IPV can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years. Many women first experience a form of IPV before the age of 18.

IPV can include any of the following types of behavior:¹

Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.
Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over another partner.

For more information on IPV, click here

Intimate Partner Violence is a serious public health issue resulting in serious physical and emotional injury, financial turmoil and even death.

IPV is associated with many negative health outcomes including chronic conditions impacting the heart, digestive system, reproduction, muscle and bones, and nervous systems, many of which are chronic. Survivors of IPV can experience mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. IPV survivors have a higher incidence of engaging in harmful behaviors like smoking, binge drinking, and risky sexual practices.¹

Signs of Intimate Partner Violence

IPV presents itself in multiple ways; however, the need for the abuser to establish power and control is a consistent factor. The following are common signs of IPV. You don’t need to identify with all these signs to be a victim of IPV. Even one to two of these behaviors could be early indicators of IPV.³

Telling you that you never do anything right.
Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or time spent away from them.
Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members, or peers.
Insulting, demeaning, or shaming you, especially in front of other people.
Preventing you from making your own decisions, including about working or attending school.
Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.
Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.
Controlling your decision to have children or preventing you from using contraception.
Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.
Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.
Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.
Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats, or mace.
Destroying your belongings or your home.

IPV is never your fault, and you are not alone.

It often takes many attempts to get help with IPV and acknowledging that something is not right and needs to change is a great first step. Remember that IPV is not your fault. If you or someone you know is a victim of IPV, check out this resource from the National Domestic Abuse Hotline on how to create a safety plan, support and protect your children, keep your pets safe and how to use the internet safely. This resource also provides information on how you can help victims get help. Mommyato has additional information about getting help with IPV.

For more information and to get help contact The Hotline.

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