Strategies and Activities
Prevention Resources
Overview:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse, which can be physical, sexual, or psychological harm, that occurs between two people in a close relationship. The term “intimate partner” includes current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV exists along a continuum from a single episode of violence to ongoing battering.
IPV includes four types of behavior:
- Physical abuse is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, burning, or using other physical force.
- Sexual abuse is forcing a partner to take part in a sex act when the partner does not consent.
- Threats of physical or sexual abuse which include the use of words, gestures, weapons, or other means to communicate the intent to cause harm.
- Emotional abuse is threatening a partner or his or her possessions or loved ones, or harming a partner’s sense of self-worth. Examples are stalking, name calling, intimidation, or not letting a partner see friends and family.
Often, IPV starts with emotional abuse. This behavior can progress to physical or sexual abuse or assault. Several types of IPV may occur together.