About Intimate Partner Violence

The definition of intimate partner violence (IPV) varies in different contexts, but is commonly understood as any act of violence or abuse that causes physical, sexual, emotional or psychological harm to one’s (current or former) intimate partner. Families Thrive recognizes IPV as a serious, preventable public health problem that affects people and broader communities across the globe, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, or educational background.  

IPV is complicated. Violence can be thought of as a learned behavior, often from the family of origin. A higher percentage of perpetrators of IPV were exposed to domestic violence growing up, although many children exposed to domestic violence do not abuse their intimate partners. However, it is important to acknowledge that early childhood experiences of trauma, abuse, and violence may impact how a person relates to others.  

Trauma-Informed Lens

A trauma-informed lens is a useful perspective that helps us to recognize patterns of violence and to consider how IPV is influenced by social norms and personal experiences of violence, including being a witness. A trauma-informed lens also encourages us to consider the role of power and control in IPV.

Power and Control

IPV stems from a pattern of power and control often learned in a person’s family and from cultural norms, such as the acceptability of violence, traditional gender roles, and beliefs regarding family privacy. These patterns can be continued throughout people's lives unless the patterns are interrupted and people are able to learn healthier ways of relating and for dealing with conflict. 

Forms of IPV

 IPV can vary in frequency and severity and often involves ongoing patterns of abusive behaviors. IPV takes a number of forms, including:

  • Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using other types of physical force.

  • Sexual violence is forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not consent.

  • Emotional/psychological abuse is threatening a partner or loved ones, or harming a partner’s sense of self-worth. Examples are stalking, name-calling, intimidation, manipulation, and isolation from friends and family.

  • Reproductive coercion is any act that limits a current or former partner’s reproductive rights and reduces their reproductive autonomy. For example, tampering with birth control or other contraceptive devices to intentionally cause an unintended pregnancy.

  • Financial abuse is controlling and limiting the victim’s access to financial resources. 

  • Religious abuse is abuse that occurs under the guise of religious practice, such as justifying violence or control to correct or avoid sinful behavior.

  • Digital abuse is the use of technologies such as social networking, text messaging, or other online mediums to bully, harass, stalk, or intimidate a current or former partner.

  • Teen dating violence is a form of IPV that occurs between youth and can include any of the above types of violence. Teen dating violence is often overlooked as a “normal” part of adolescent life and can have severe short and long-term negative consequences. For more information see the Teen Dating Violence module.