Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) refers to physical, psychological, or sexual abuse by a current or former partner or spouse. It includes violence in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships and can occur whether or not the partners live together. IPV is a subset of family violence, which includes all forms of violence between family or household members. Commonly also termed domestic violence.

Prevalence: Globally: about 30% of women experience physical or sexual IPV during their lifetime and 70% in Bangladeshi women (BBS, 2024).


EXPLAIN:
According to Tinney and Gerlock (2014), IPV can be understood based on relationship dynamics and based on the gender of the victim and perpetrator.


A. Based on Relationship Dynamics

  1. Coercive Control (Battering): This type of IPV is a patterned form of abuse.  The abuser tries to dominate and control victim’s life. They may isolate the victim, monitor them. For example: a husband may not allow his wife to meet relatives or control her phone and money.
  2. Reactive Violence: This type of violence usually happens as a reaction or defense.  A victim who has been abused for a long time may fight back during an argument.
  3. IPV without Coercive Control: In some cases, violence happens on arguments about money, jealousy, or infidelity. This does not usually involve constant domination.
  4. Pathological Violence: This type of violence is linked to mental illness, brain injury, or substance abuse.

B. Based on Victim and Perpetrator Gender

Research shows that most victims of IPV are women, especially in severe and repeated cases of violence. However, both men and women can be victims or perpetrators. Some studies show that aggression levels can be similar between genders in certain situations. Still, men’s violence often causes more serious injuries due to physical strength and patterns of domination.

 

DEVELOPMENTAL PATTERN OF IPV (NINE-STAGE MODEL)

Meuer et al. (2002) described a nine-stage model that shows how IPV escalates step by step. Here are those:

  1. Love and Obsession: At the beginning, the abuser gives excessive attention and affection. This may feel like devotion but is actually a sign of unhealthy obsession.
  2. Control and Jealousy: The abuser starts monitoring the victim’s activities, checking on them constantly, and controlling decisions. Jealousy becomes a tool for control.
  3. Adjustment: The victim slowly begins to accept the control and changes their behavior to avoid conflict or angering the abuser.
  4. Psychological Abuse: Emotional manipulation, insults, and verbal attacks begin. The victim’s confidence is broken down.
  5. First Physical Abuse: Physical violence occurs for the first time. The victim often excuses or minimizes it, believing it will not happen again.
  6. Repeated Abuse and Blame: The violence happens again, and the abuser blames the victim, saying it is their fault.
  7. Isolation: The victim is cut off from family, friends, and support systems, making it harder to seek help.
  8. Emotional Conflict: The victim feels trapped, confused, and dependent. They may still hope the relationship will improve.
  9. Escalation and Threats: Violence becomes more frequent and severe. The abuser often threatens the victim if they try to leave.

 

RISKS OF LEAVING AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

Research shows that 75% of homicides by intimate partners happen after the victim tries to leave. Victims may also face stalking, harassment, or severe violence after separation.

 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF IPV

  • Social and cultural norms: In societies that support male dominance and gender inequality, abuse is more likely.
  • Poverty and isolation: Financial struggles and lack of resources make it harder for victims to escape.
  • Childhood exposure: People who witnessed or experienced violence as children may repeat the cycle in adulthood.
  • Mental health and substance abuse: Disorders and addiction can increase aggression and loss of control.

 

TREATMENT AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem that requires different treatment. Some of the main strategies are:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps abusers change harmful beliefs and behaviors. CBT works to challenge and replace these thoughts with healthier, non-violent beliefs.
  • Long-term psychological therapy: In severe cases, short-term help is not enough. Abusers who have deep emotional or personality problems often need long-term therapy.
  • Court-mandated programs: Sometimes the court requires abusers to attend treatment programs. This increases the chance that they will participate.
  • Risk assessment and monitoring: The risk of violence often increases when partners separate. Therefore, regular monitoring and risk assessment are very important during this time.

IPV is still a major public health and human rights issue. Despite progress, challenges remain in prevention and response, especially in different cultural contexts. Survivor-centered solutions are key.