intimate partner violence

n. The term intimate partner violence (WV) has superseded the term because it more accurately characterizes the variety of important dyadic relationships in which violence can occur. These relationships include, but are not limited to, violence between spouses, cohabiters, divorced couples, and individuals in a variety of dating relationships. IPV is inclusive of same-sex as well as heterosexual intimate relationships. There is general agreement that the act has to have been conducted with the intention to harm the recipient physically or psychologically in order to be considered IPV. However, debate ensues about the degree to which acts of psychological aggression, verbal abuse, or stalking and/or behaviors used to control, dominate, or isolate an intimate partner should also be subsumed under the term intimate partner violence. Controversy has also centered on whether acts of sexual violence, including rape, should be integrated into the definition of intimate partner violence. Some have argued that victim fear is an important component of IPV; however, including this requirement tends to reduce the number of men who can be considered victims of IPV. Proponents of battered women have strongly argued the need to assess the context in which the violence occurs, rather than the perpetration of the behavior alone, as some studies have shown relatively few gender differences in the rates of engaging in violent acts in intimate relationships. In light of these controversies it is not surprising that prevalence rates of IPV vary substantially with the definition being utilized and differ considerably even among national surveys. Reported rates of IPV also differ among individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Nonetheless, there is consensus that IPV is pervasive in U.S. society, that it is an ongoing public health concern, and that victims of IPV are at risk for physical injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other negative consequences such as reduced workplace productivity.

- JL-R, KLD