INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is abuse that takes places between individuals in an intimate relationship. Intimate partners may include boyfriends, girlfriends, and current and former spouses. The abuse can take various forms, such as physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse. Often the physical violence enacted is accompanied by emotional attacks and threatening and controlling behaviours. Although intimate partner violence may be carried out by women, and individuals in a same-sex relationship, women are more likely to report being victimised in relationships by their male partners.