Introduction: What is Intimate Partner Violence?

What is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)?

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is defined slightly differently depending on who is using the term. For this course, we will use the House of Ruth Maryland standard definition, which focuses on the experience of the survivor and addresses the survivor's need for support and services.

Two Critical Elements:

The two most important elements to remember about the definition of intimate partner violence are:

1. It is a pattern of behaviors - not isolated incidents 2. There is a power imbalance between the intimate partners—one partner holds some power over the other

IPV vs. Domestic Violence

More commonly, you will hear the term "domestic violence" used when talking about intimate partner violence, but it is important to remember that not all partners live together and not all violence in a home is between partners.

Who Is Affected

Forms of IPV

Broader Impact

IPV impacts individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. Since intimate partner violence is framed within the global issue of violence against women, it is shaped and supported by societal, familial, and cultural norms and is complicated by the intersection of other cultural oppressions.

Course Objectives

Defining intimate partner violence is an important step in understanding the issue and how it is perceived, but definitions can only tell you so much. This course provides you with the foundational knowledge needed to recognize intimate partner violence and how to respond to survivors of it.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

As you progress through this training, think of yourself as Maria, a coordinated entry worker conducting intake assessments; or Dr. Patel, a healthcare provider integrating IPV screening; or Aisha, an HR professional recognizing workplace warning signs; or James, an IPV advocate providing trauma-informed support. Each of these professionals encounters IPV in their work—and now, you will too.

Intimate Partner Violence Resources

Throughout this course, you will find a number of current and key resources about abuse, theories, case studies, and approaches that feature statistics about intimate partner violence. In some cases, the resources are available by downloading documents embedded in the course itself, and other times you will be given a link to follow on the open web to view or read resources currently available.

The following resources are particularly helpful as you learn about and support survivors of intimate partner violence:

These evidence-based resources will support your learning throughout the course and provide reference materials for your professional practice.