INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
By Harrison J. Bahe
Based on a Report by Joshua Root, LCSW.
What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Domestic Violence? What’s the Difference?
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) refers to abuse that occurs between individuals in a romantic relationship, whether or not they live together. Domestic Violence, on the other hand, extends beyond romantic partnerships and can occur between parents and children, siblings, or even roommates—as long as they share a household.
Understanding IPV and Its Forms
IPV can vary in frequency and severity, ranging from a single incident to chronic abuse over several years. It encompasses a range of behaviors, including:
- Physical violence: Intentional use of physical force to harm a partner.
- Sexual violence: Any non-consensual sexual activity, including forced sexual acts, unwanted touching, or coercive sexting.
- Stalking: Repeated, unwanted attention or contact that causes fear or concern for personal safety or the safety of loved ones.
- Psychological aggression: Use of verbal and non-verbal communication to harm a partner emotionally or mentally.
Prevalence and Impact
Approximately 41% of women and 26% of men in the U.S. have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, with many reporting significant emotional or physical impacts. Over 61 million women and 53 million men have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
When IPV begins in adolescence, it is referred to as Teen Dating Violence. About 16 million women and 11 million men reported that their first experience with IPV occurred before age 18. IPV can result in serious injury or death—U.S. crime data suggests that one in five homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. Over half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male partner.
The Dynamics of Domestic Abuse
While physical and sexual violence often bring attention to abuse, these acts are frequently part of a larger pattern. Abusers often use emotional, psychological, and financial tactics to maintain power and control. Even isolated physical assaults can instill long-term fear, allowing abusers to dominate their victims’ lives.
The Power & Control Wheel is a useful tool to understand this dynamic. It illustrates how abusive partners use various forms of non-physical abuse—such as intimidation, isolation, and economic control—to exert dominance. These behaviors may not leave visible marks but create a deeply harmful and enduring cycle of fear and dependency.
Examples of Non-Physical Abuse Include:
- Emotional abuse: Constant criticism, name-calling, manipulation, isolating the victim from loved ones, or undermining parenting.
- Financial abuse: Controlling all financial decisions, restricting access to money, or preventing the victim from working or pursuing education.
In one study involving 104 women at an IPV shelter, 66.3% had left and returned to their abusive partner at least once. Of those, 97.1% had returned multiple times (Griffing et al., 2005). This highlights the complex emotional and psychological hold abusers can have on their victims.
The Cycle of Abuse
The Cycle of Abuse typically follows four stages:
- Tension Building
- Incident (abuse occurs)
- Reconciliation
- Calm/Honeymoon Phase
Health and Mental Health Impacts
Survivors often experience mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They may also engage in harmful coping behaviors like smoking, binge drinking, or risky sexual activity. Marginalized populations—including racial and ethnic minority groups—are often at greater risk for more severe consequences due to systemic inequities.
Evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help survivors process trauma and regain a sense of stability and self-worth.
Prevention and Support
IPV is preventable. Prevention begins with education, awareness, and the promotion of healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships. Addressing risk and protective factors at individual, relational, community, and societal levels can reduce the incidence and long-term impacts of IPV.
If You Need Help
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
You can also contact the following resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or TTY (800) 787-3224 (available 24/7)
- National Center for Victims of Crime: (855) 4-VICTIM (855-484-2846)
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: (844) 762-8483
For local assistance in Fort McDowell, contact Rudy Pattea, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate:
- Office: (480) 789-7678
- Cell: (480) 910-5090
- Email: rdpattea@fmyn.org
For general questions, contact Wassaja Family Services at (480) 798-7980.
