Definition of Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic Violence Definition

by Jerry Kennard

for About.com

Updated January 04, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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Relationships

(Continued from Page 1)

How to Tell it is IPV

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is violence that occurs between a victim and perpetrator who are current or former spouses or partners. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are four main types of IPV (although some databases also include stalking). Intimate partner violence does not require sexual intimacy to meet the definition. IPV is defined as:

Physical violence - the intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing death, disability, injury, or harm.

Threats of physical or sexual violence - using words, gestures, or weapons to communicate the intent to cause death, disability, injury or physical harm.

Psychological/emotional violence involving trauma to the victim caused by acts, threats of acts, or coercive tactics.

Sexual violence is divided into three sub-categories. First, the use of physical force to compel a person to engage in a sexual act against his or her will, whether or not the act is completed. Second, the attempted or completed sex act involving a person who is unable to understand the nature or condition of the act, to decline participation, or to communicate unwillingness to engage in the sexual act, (for instance when the victim is disabled or under the influence of alcohol or drugs), or because of intimidation or pressure and thirdly, abusive sexual contact.

If you or someone you know is the victim/survivor of intimate partner violence and needs help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 TYY

Web information can be had from the National Domestic Violence Hotline http://www.ndvh.org/

Article Sources Include:
Intimate Partner Violence: Fact Sheet. Updated 2 oct CDC National center for Injury Prevention and Control http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/ipvfacts.htm

Tjaden P, Thoennes N. Extent, nature, and consequences of intimate partner violence: findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey. Washington (DC) Department of Justice (US) 2000a. Publication No. NCJ 181867. [cited 2005 September 15]. www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/181867.htm

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