Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Understanding the Impact and Resources for Support

What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?

Photograph by Louis Galvez

October is recognized as Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Awareness Month, highlighting a major public health crisis affecting over 32 million Americans. While IPV affects all genders, women experience it at higher rates. Lifetime IPV estimates for women in the U.S. range from 22% to 39%.

IPV includes actual or threatened psychological, physical, or sexual harm by a current or former partner or spouse. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity, age, or background.

Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and Early Exposure to IPV

When IPV begins in adolescence, it is called Teen Dating Violence (TDV). Each year, millions of U.S. teens experience TDV, setting the stage for long-term impacts.

• 11 million women and 5 million men reported experiencing sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.

• Many survivors first experienced violence before age 18.

Types of Intimate Partner Violence

There are three primary types of IPV:

1. Psychological/Emotional Abuse – Coercion, threats, intimidation, or manipulation to control a partner. This includes verbal abuse, threats of harm, and controlling behavior.

2. Physical Abuse – The intentional use of physical force that causes or has the potential to cause injury, disability, or death.

3. Sexual Abuse – Forced or unwanted sexual contact, including date rape or coercion within a relationship.

Underreporting of Intimate Partner Violence

Many IPV survivors never report their abuse due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in law enforcement. Research shows that:

• Only 20% of sexual assaults, 25% of physical assaults, and 50% of stalking incidents are reported.

• IPV incidents involving men are even less likely to be reported.

IPV Disparities Across Demographics

• Black, Indigenous, and Alaskan Native populations experience IPV at higher rates than White and Latinx people.

• LGBTQ+ survivors face additional barriers to seeking help due to discrimination, lack of LGBTQ-inclusive services, and low confidence in law enforcement response.

• Studies show that transgender people may experience higher rates of IPV than both cisgender and LGB individuals.

Intimate Partner Violence is a widespread issue that requires awareness, advocacy, and accessible support services for all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. Breaking the cycle of abuse begins with education, prevention, and ensuring that survivors have the resources they need.

For 24/7 confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org.

Essential Resources for Survivors of Abuse: Hotlines & Online Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Below are confidential, free, and 24/7 support resources.

24/7 Crisis Hotlines

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) – The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence hotline.
Call: 800-656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Support for domestic violence survivors.
Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline – Specialized support for teens experiencing relationship abuse.
Call: 1-866-331-9474

Helpful Online Resources

Futures Without Violence – Resources for abuse prevention, including LGBTQ+ support.

Office of Women’s Health – Violence Prevention – Government resources on abuse prevention.

CDC – Intimate Partner Violence – Research and support for violence prevention.

Victim Connect Resource Center – Confidential support and information for victims of crime.

FORGE – Advocacy and support for transgender survivors of violence.

Understanding Abuse: Are You Being Abused?

Am I being abused? – Signs of abuse

Violence against immigrant and refugee women – Learn more

Am I being emotionally abused? – What to look for

Am I being financially abused? – Financial abuse occurs when an abuser takes control of finances to exert power and prevent their partner from leaving. This can involve withholding money, restricting access to financial information, or exploiting the victim financially. Learn more: Financial abuse explained