Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Does Your Partner:
Intimate Partner Violence better known as domestic violence, is a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviors that a person uses against an intimate or former partner. It may include:
- Physical Abuse: shoving, hitting, kicking, burning, strangulation, using weapons or othe objects to cause injury and/or restrain a person.
- Sexual Violence: Even in marriages or relationships, sexual violence can occur. Forcing or coercing unwanted sexual acts, refusing to practice safer sex, and treating a partner like a sex object are examples of sexual violence.
- Emotional Abuse/Intimidation: Name calling/put downs; denying/shift blaming; treating a partner as inferior; threatening to harm others; threatening to reveal information that may be harmful; using threatening looks, actions or gestures; threatening to commit suicide to get what he/she wants.
- Property/Economic Abuse: Destroying/stealing personal property; denying money for basic needs such as food or medical care; interfering with a partner's work or education.
- Stalking: Monitoring activiites, phone calls, or emails; following a partner; impersonating or questioning others about a partner, either with or without the survivors knowledge.
Domestic violence affects everyone in every community, regardless of age, socioeconomic status sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. It leaves not only physical, but emotional scars while having a profound effect on an individuals general health.
- Get extremely jealous or accuses the other of cheating
- Yell at you and treat you like a child
- Frequently criticizes your friends or family
- Pressures you for sex, or makes sex hurt or feel humiliating
- Threatened to commit suicide or hurt you if you leave
- Blamed you for thier behavior
- Embarrassed or humiliated you
- Smashed, thrown or destroyed your property
- Tries to keep the other from having a job or furthering their education
- Tried to make you feel crazy or played mind games
- Go back on promises
- Act controlling or possessive - like they own you
- Use alcohol or drugs as an excuse for hurtful behavior
- Ignore or withholds affection as a means of punishing you
- Isolate you from family and friends
If these factors resonate with you, you may be in an abusive relationship!
If you are being abused by your partner, you may feel confused, afraid, angry, and/or trapped. Your partner might try to blame you and you might feel what is happening is your fault. All of these emotions are normal responses to abuse, but no matter what others say, you are never responsible for your partner's abusive actions. NO ONE DESERVES TO BE BATTERED! If this sounds like the relationship of someone you know, don't be just a bystander! Ask for assistance, or information so that you can help your friend or family member make informed decisions.