Intimate Partner Violence

According to the CDC, the term intimate partner violence describes physical, sexual or psychological harm by the current or former partner or spouse. It can occur in heterosexual or same sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy.

• Physical Violence is the intentional use of physical force with the potential for causing harm. This would include use of body, use of weapons and use of restraints.
• Sexual Violence use of physical force or threat to compel someone to engage in sexual acts against their will or abusive contact.
• Threats of physical or sexual violence. The use of words, gestures or weapons to communicate intent to cause harm.
• Psychological/emotional abuse involves, but is not limited to, humiliation, isolation and controlling behaviors.

Risk Factors of Intimate Partner Violence

Victims

• Low self esteem
• Low income
• Lower education level
• Young age
• Few friends- isolation
• Emotional dependence
• Observance of strict gender roles
• Being a former victim of abuse
• Poor parenting as a child
• Physical discipline as a child

• History of prior abuse
• Antisocial
• Alcohol or drug use
• Controlling behavior
• Anger issues

• Extreme jealousy
• Possessiveness
• Aggressiveness
• Mistreats animals
• Emotional extremes
• Quick temper

According to the CDC in 2003 intimate partner violence costs exceeded 8.3 billion dollars, including 460 million dollars for rape, 6.2 billion dollars for physical injuries, 461 million dollars for stalking and 1.2 billion dollars for the loss of lives.

Victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work and almost 5.6 million days of household productivity each year.

• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Gynecological disorders
• STDs, including HIV/AIDS

• Depression
• Suicidal behavior
• Anxiety
• Low self esteem
• Fear of intimacy
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Sleep disturbances
• Flashbacks

Escaping this situation is not usually easy. The sooner one recognizes that they are involved in an unhealthy relationship, the better. Often the abuser will attempt to totally control the victim, physically, mentally as well as financially.

Planning ahead can be the key to making a successful escape. Watch for "“red flags" and leave if you sense your partner is going to become violent. Know all escape routes form your home.

Memorize important phone numbers. Have cash ready if possible. Have a safe place to go and plan how you will get there. Have a signal arranged with friends and/or family in case of emergency.

Leaving is not easy. The best time to leave would be the first time you experience the abuse; it may be a disrespectful verbal exchange or some sort of forceful physical encounter. The abuser may apologize and swear it will never happen again, whether they are sincere or not, it will happen and only get worse. No one, including you, deserves to be treated with anything but respect and love in an intimate relationship. Do not allow anything less right from the beginning to prevent intimate partner violence.

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