WHAT IS IPV?
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
Intimate partner violence (IPV), also commonly referred to as domestic violence or domestic abuse, is abuse or coercion that occurs in a romantic relationship.
An “intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses, dating and regular sexual partners.
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IPV can range from one episode of violence with lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years. IPV includes a wide variety of abusive or violent behaviors. See below for the various categories and examples of how IPV can show up.
Types of Abuse
When we understand what intimate partner violence is, we can identify it in a variety of forms. Types of abuse include, but are not limited to:
EMOTIONAL & VERBAL
insulting, blaming, shaming, gaslighting, isolating from friends and family, manipulation;
PHYSICAL
hitting, kicking, punching, restraining, strangulation, harming children or pets, throwing objects;
SEXUAL
sexual assault, sexual coercion, groping, reproductive coercion;
FINANCIAL
preventing access to finances, education or employment, making unilateral financial decisions, forcing or forging signatures on financial documents or debt, refusal of financial liability;
TECHNOLOCIAL
constantly calling or messaging, using anonymous numbers to call or message, controlling access to technology, releasing private information or intimate images, tracking location without consent, demanding passwords, monitoring activity using security systems or spyware;
STALKING
unwanted gifts or letters, unwanted location tracking, following, watching, being approached or showing up, unwanted calls or messages;
SPIRITUAL
preventing or forcing religious practices, using religious texts to justify behavior, destroying ritual items; and
IDENTITY
outing sexuality, insulting race, gender identity or orientation, immigration status.
