MGH Guides: Intimate Partner Violence: Home

Intimate Partner Violence

What is the difference between intimate partner violence and domestic violence?

Some people will use these terms interchangeably, but there are some distinctions. Intimate partner violence (IPV) has become the preferred terminology to use because it covers a broader range. In many cases, "domestic violence" has been used for heterosexual couples residing in the same home, typically with the male as the abuser and the female as the victim. IPV is intended to cover all types of intimate relationships and is not exclusive to people living together.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

800-799-7233

Online Resources

CDC Intimate Partner Violence
"Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term 'intimate partner violence' describes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy."
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Provides statistics, descriptions of violence, signs of abuse, and how to take action. Also provides information on getting help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline-- Statistics
Statistics about the prevalence of domestic violence. Also a good resource for getting help.
Mass.gov Resources & Links
Provides Nationwide and Statewide resources to hotlines, organizations, and transitional housing.
UN Women: The Shadow Pandemic
One in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner. Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines, have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified.

Books in our Collection

When Violence Begins at Home by K. J. Wilson
Call Number: VIO DOM WHEN
ISBN: 0897934555
Publication Date: 2005-11-30
Since its initial publication, this far-reaching reference has provided professionals and victims of abuse with guidance on everything from indicators of an abusive relationship to domestic violence legislation, from antiburnout tips for helpers to advice on leaving an abusive partner. This updated edition addresses new research and programs, adding information on date rape drugs, stalking, cyber-stalking, pregnancy and domestic violence, and the effectiveness of batterer intervention programs. Current controversial social and legal issues such as mutual battering, child welfare and "failure to protect" policies, child custody and visitation rights for batterers, mandatory arrests, and welfare reform are also covered. Two new chapters devote attention to domestic violence in the military and to the challenging and rewarding role of those who work with battered women and their children. New resources have been included to reflect the ever-evolving wealth of books, web sites, and agencies available to both helpers and those in need.
Same-Sex Domestic Violence by Sandra E. Lundy (Editor); Beth Leventhal (Editor)
Call Number: VIO DOM SAMSEX
ISBN: 0761903224
Publication Date: 1999-09-22
While a great deal has been written about domestic violence, almost all of it focuses on the violence of men against their current or former wives or girlfriends. Yet studies have shown that partner abuse is common and as severe among same-sex couples as among heterosexual couples. This book examines a broad range of issues that confront victims of same-sex domestic violence, whether women or men, and those who offer them services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive resource book consisting of chapters by prominent professionals and activists on topics of practical concern to people who work with victims of same-sex partner abuse, Topics such as HIV, and same-sex domestic violence, establishing safe-home networks for battered gay men, courtroom advocacy, coalition building, and sexual and dating violence prevention. In each chapter, authors are sensitive and responsive to multicultural issues and to broad issues of social oppression and avoid "one-size-fits-all" assumptions and conclusions.

E-Books

Intimate Partner Violence by Angelo P. Giardino; Eileen R. Giardino; Carole Jenny (Foreword by); Annie Lewis-O'Connor (Foreword by); Betsy McAlister Groves (Foreword by)
ISBN: 9781878060778
Publication Date: 2010-01-15
Intimate Partner Violence is a resource for a wide range of professionals who work with children and families, from specialists working in social services, counseling, education, and child advocacy to experts in the fields of medicine, law enforcement, and mental health. Contents include contemporary concepts and research on the prevalence, nature, causes, and impact of IPV--a pervasive problem in our society that affects adults and children and crosses all socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic boundaries. The text addresses not only the initial impact on the victims, but also the consequences IPV has in later life and in subsequent generations as learned behaviors lead to a cycle of family violence. The intent is not a comprehensive clinical and forensic reference text meant exclusively for medical and technical professionals, it is a resource that provides a thorough overview to assist managers, supervisors, directors, and other front-line professionals who have the responsibility of setting and implementing policies in making informed and effective decisions. Written by a diverse group of professionals that spans the child protection spectrum, Intimate Partner Violence serves an ideal introduction to the destructive, yet ubiquitous problem and also a valuable reinforcement of knowledge for experts who treat and deal with the pernicious effects of IPV, which often include child maltreatment, on a daily basis.
Domestic Violence Sourcebook by Dawn Bradley Berry
ISBN: 9781565658738
Publication Date: 1998-04-01
The Domestic Violence Sourcebook is a complete guide to this highly emotional and volatile issue. It examines the psychology of domestic violence, public attitudes towards it, how it affects the children and what can be done to help prevent it.
Family Interventions in Domestic Violence by Tonia L. Nicholls (Editor)
ISBN: 9780826102454
Publication Date: 2007-01-01
In this exciting new book John Hamel, author of the ground-breaking Gender-Inclusive Treatment of Intimate Partner Abuse, and Tonia Nicholls go beyond the traditional intervention theories of domestic violence practiced today. Offering alternative, unbiased and sometimes controversial views, theories, and current research, they, along with renowned contributors in the field, provide new treatment options that encompass a wide range of gender dynamics. Here are just some of the key principles covered: Interventions Should Be Based on a Thorough Unbiased Assessment Victim/Perpetrator Distinctions are Overstated, and Much Partner Abuse is Mutual Regardless of Perpetrator Gender, Child Witnesses to Partner Abuse are Adversely Affected, and are at Risk for Perpetrating Partner Abuse as Adults This new gender-inclusive approach to assessment and intervention provides a significant departure from traditional paradigms of domestic violence, and offers a much-needed awareness to effectively prevent violence in our communities today and for future generations.

Intimate Partner Violence and COVID-19

graphic showing intensifying factors of domestic abuse during the pandemic, including isolation with abusers, security, health, and money worries, cramped living conditions, movement restrictions, and deserted public spaces.

Retrieved from: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/in-focus-gender-equality-in-covid-19-response/violence-against-women-during-covid-19

Evidence

A Pandemic within a Pandemic — Intimate Partner Violence during Covid-19
(2020) An article discussing the ways in which intimate partner violence may increase during COVID-19 and the barriers to being able to report abuse if it happens
Exacerbation of Physical Intimate Partner Violence during COVID-19 Lockdown
(2020) The purpose of this research article is "to assess the incidence, patterns, and severity of injuries in victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, compared with the prior three years."
The pandemic paradox: The consequences of COVID‐19 on domestic violence
(2020) An article discussing how staying at home during the pandemic may not protect people's health, related to the increase in intimate partner violence that could happen within a household.
Intimate Partner Violence Victimization During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among a Global Online Sample of Sexual Minority Men
(2023) This study aimed to describe the prevalence of IPV victimization, changes of experiencing IPV victimization, and examined factors associated with more severe or frequent IPV victimization since the COVID-19 crisis among a global sample of sexual minority men
COVID-19 and Intimate Partner Violence: A Call to Action.
(2020) From the abstract: "The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the risks and dangers for victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). This article aims to describe the current state of IPV in Rhode Island as well as best practices for IPV screening and intervention using telehealth. We highlight the particular plight of undocumented immigrant victims of IPV and how healthcare providers can be responsive to their unique vulnerabilities and needs."
Domestic violence assault during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal community study
(2023) The current study utilized publicly available records to examine fluctuations in DV coinciding with COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in a diverse metropolitan county. Results suggest that surges in DV vary between communities and that systemic issues may set the stage for the surge of an already endemic problem.
Working from home and intimate partner violence among cis-women during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from a global, cross-sectional study
(2023) This analysis aimed to determine how employment disruption during COVID-19, including working from home, was associated with IPV experience among cis-gendered women

Other Online Resources

When lockdown is not actually safer: Intimate partner violence during COVID-19
Another article about intimate partner violence and COVID-19, including resources at the bottom.
Intimate Partner Violence and Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Response
From the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, recommendations and resources for intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transcript: COVID-19 and Intimate Partner Violence
Transcript document for the COVID-19 and Intimate Partner Violence video.

Conditions/Injuries Related to Intimate Partner Violence

From: Simonelli, A., Pasquali, C.E., & De Palo, F. (2014). Intimate partner violence and drug-addicted women: From explicative models to gender-oriented treatments. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 5(0), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v5.24496

Evidence

Incidence and characteristics of spinal injuries in the victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).
(2021) An article discussing the incidence and characteristics of spinal cord injuries in victims of physical intimate partner violence.
A Nationwide Study of Intimate Partner Violence.
(2020) Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical or sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by an intimate partner. The present study aims to examine the incidence, injury patterns, and outcomes using a representative nationwide data set.
Traumatic Injuries Due to Interpersonal and Domestic Violence in the United States
(2020) From the Background, "Domestic and intimate partner violence (DV) are under-reported causes of injury. We describe the health care utilization of DV patients, hypothesizing they are at increased risk of mortality."
Interplay between traumatic brain injury and intimate partner violence: data driven analysis utilizing electronic health records
(2020) It is estimated that a majority of intimate partner violence (IPV) victims suffer from blunt force to the head, neck and the face area. Injuries to head and neck are among the major causes for traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this interdisciplinary study, we aimed to characterize the key associations between IPV and TBI by mining de-identified electronic health records data with more than 12 M records between 1999 to 2017 from the IBM Explorys platfor

Online Resources

Conditions & Injuries Related to Domestic Violence
A guide put together by Florida State University as part of the National Prevention Toolkit on Domestic Violence for Medical Professionals.
Effects of Domestic Violence
Common physical, mental, and emotional effects of intimate partner violence.

Transcript: TBI Caused by Intimate Partner Violence
Transcript document for the TBI Caused by Intimate Partner Violence video.

Prevention

Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact.html

Evidence

Factors and consequences associated with intimate partner violence against women in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review.
(2023) This systematic review aimed to examine the risk factors and consequences associated with IPV against women in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). n this study, several risk factors were identified including lower levels of education, marriage at a young age, poor wealth indices, rural residential areas, and acceptance of gender norms that contribute to the prevalence of IPV in LMICs.
Intimate partner violence prevention and reduction: A review of literature.
(2017) From the abstract: "In this literature review, we present a synthesis of interventions for intimate partner violence (IPV) among migrants. Searching through five databases for relevant articles published between 2005 and 2016, we report findings from ten relevant articles with
focus on process, outcomes, and challenges encountered. Our reported interventions mainly targeted survivors, perpetrators, and primary level of prevention. The authors argued that grounding interventions on IPV within the cultural context of migrant population is crucial in increasing participants’ engagement and
obtaining a positive outcome. We suggest culturally appropriate IPV interventions with embedded strategies for evaluation among migrants."

Online Resources

CDC: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence
Information about types of violence, prevalence, and how to stop it before it starts.
CDC Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Across the Lifespan
A document that addresses healthy relationship skills, creating protective environments, supporting survivors, and more.
Prevent IPV
A committee with goals to make prevention of IPV a priority local domestic violence programs, as well as at the federal levels.
Massachusetts Sexual Assault Prevention and Survivor Services
Has information about rape crisis centers, the Massachusetts Sexual Violence Prevention Plan, Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and Disability Resource Guide, and rape crisis counselors.

Interventions

Retrieved from: https://dvipiowa.org/resources/what-is-domestic-abuse/

Evidence

A systematic review of intimate partner violence interventions focused on improving social support and/ mental health outcomes of survivors.
(2020) Background of article: "Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a key public health issue, with a myriad of physical, sexual and emotional consequences for the survivors of violence. Social support has been found to be an important factor in mitigating and moderating the consequences of IPV and improving health outcomes. This study's objective was to identify and assess network oriented and support mediated IPV interventions, focused on improving mental health outcomes among IPV survivors."
Effectiveness of ICT-based intimate partner violence interventions: a systematic review.
(2020) From the abstract: "Intimate Partner Violence is a "global pandemic". Meanwhile, information and communication technologies (ICT), such as the internet, mobile phones, and smartphones, are spreading worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries. We reviewed the available evidence on the use of ICT-based interventions to address intimate partner violence (IPV), evaluating the effectiveness, acceptability, and suitability of ICT for addressing different aspects of the problem (e.g., awareness, screening, prevention, treatment, mental health)."
Does women empowerment associate with reduced risks of intimate partner violence in India? evidence from National Family Health Survey-5.
(2023) The present study seeks to understand the specific empowerment components that associate with IPV against women in India. It also studies the state-level distribution of the different types of IPV.

Online Resources

Treating Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence
American Psychological Association's guide for screening, safety assessment, and treating people who have experienced intimate partner violence. Also, includes best practices and examples of strengths-based language.
Prevention and Early Intervention for Domestic Violence
A guide covering prevention programs, interventions, and particular populations.

Teen Dating

Teen dating violence (TDV), also called, “dating violence”, is an adverse childhood experience that affects millions of young people in the United States. Dating violence can take place in person, online, or through technology.

Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teendatingviolence/fastfact.html

Evidence

Childhood Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence and Teen Dating Violence.
(2023) The purpose of this study is to examine teen dating violence (TDV) involvement among adolescents who were exposed to IPV in early childhood while controlling for other known risk factors of TDV.
Early Childhood Predictors of Teen Dating Violence Involvement at Age 17.
(2022) This study aims to shed light on the problem of dating violence by examining children's backgrounds at age 7 and the link to the future involvement in dating violence at age 17 using the first and seventh waves of the Zurich Project on the Social Development from Childhood to Adulthood
Adolescent Dating Violence Among Youth Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review.
(2021) This systematic review seeks to synthesize empirical literature on ADV victimization and perpetration outcomes in youth exposed to IPV, examine mechanisms that may explain ADV outcomes in IPV-exposed youth, and summarize methodological factors that influence interpretation of findings

Online Resources

CDC Teen Dating Violence
Specifically looks at intimate partner violence in the context of teenagers, including statistics and prevention strategy.
CDC Dating Matters
Teen dating violence prevention model to prevent teen dating violence.
Dating Violence Prevention for Teens
Provides information about electronic aggression, characteristics of healthy/unhealthy relationships, risk factors, prevention programs, and more.
National Institute of Justice Teen Dating Violence
Contains articles and publications about teen dating violence, as well as events and trainings.
How to Talk to Teens about Dating Violence
A website designed to provide conversation starters, warning signs, and resources for talking to teens about dating violence.