Intimate Partner Violence

What is intimate partner violence?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse between two people in a close relationship. Intimate partners include current and former spouses and dating partners.

This form of abuse is related to power and control dynamics. The opposite of an abusive relationship is one based on equality and mutual respect between partners.

Abuse can be a single episode or ongoing. Abuse can be emotional as well as physical.

Four types of IPV abuse

• Emotional abuse, including:
  • Stalking, name calling or intimidation.
  • Isolating a partner from friends and family.
  • Threatening a partner, their possessions or loved ones.
  • Harming a partner's sense of self-worth.
• Physical abuse, including hitting, kicking, burning, or other physical force.
• Sexual abuse or forcing participation in a sex act when the partner does not consent.
• Threats of physical or sexual abuse. This includes use of words, gestures, weapons, or other ways to communicate intent to harm.

Often, IPV starts with emotional abuse. This behavior can progress to physical or sexual assault. Several types of IPV may occur together.

Stopping IPV before it starts

The CDC, North Carolina Public Health and many other groups are working to stop IPV before it starts. One way to do this is by teaching young people how to have healthy relationships. When teens learn good relationship skills early, it can help stop abuse before it happens.

In the past, women’s groups helped by starting crisis hotlines and shelters for women being hurt. Now, adults can help by working with young people to prevent violence. Adults can be good role models, teach kids how to treat others with respect and speak out against violence. When adults show what a safe and caring relationship looks like, kids learn that violence is never OK.