What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?

(Sometimes called abuse or domestic violence.) It is harm caused by one person to another through the use of force, power or control. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, spiritual, financial or psychological and includes behaviors such as hitting, threats, coercion, and intimidation. Interpersonal violence often occurs between people who know each other, such as intimate partners, family members, or caregivers and can have serious, long-lasting effects on individuals & communities.  

Coercive control is a type of violence, it includes intimidation, jealousy, degradation, controlling your daily life, deprivation, surveillance, forced sex, shaming, and threats.

 

The Cycle of Abuse; 4 Stages

1. Tension Building-growing stress, jealousy, control increases. Victim tries to "keep the peace."

2. Incident (Abuse)-abuse occurs, may be a "blow up" or may be more covert.

3. Honeymoon-abuser may apologize, make excuses, promise change, show affection, purchase gifts. Victim may feel hopeful that things will improve.

4. Calm-relationship seems stable or "normal"; over time, tension starts to build and the cycle repeats. 

Cycle can repeat often or there can be a lot of time between incidents. 

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