Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Helping Victims of Intimate
Partner Violence
Intimate partner violence (IPV),altercations to homicide. IPV
Intimate partner violence (IPV), also called
also called domestic violence, iscan also involve direct harm
defined as violent or aggressiveor threats toward children anddomestic violence, is defined as violent
behavior from a current or previouspets. Nearly 1 in 4 women andor aggressive behavior from a current orpartner. Physical violence, sexual
1 in 7 men in the U.S. reportpreviouspartner.
violence, stalking, and psychologicalsevere physical violence from anaggression are all forms of IPV. These
intimate partner in their lifetime.
behaviors may occur in a single
The impact of IPV on victims
episode or recur over time. IPV includes both subtle
depend on the duration, frequency, and severity of theseand direct behaviors, ranging in severity from mildbehaviors.
Adverse Effects of IPV
IPV frequently causes long-lasting consequences for thevictim and for children that are exposed, even indirectly, tothe behavior. Adverse effects may include:■■ Diminished physical health and well-being■■ Depression and other mental health problems■■ Increased use of alcohol and tobacco■■ Decreased ability to parent effectively■■ Decreased work performance■■ Sleep problems■■ Changes in eating (weight gain or loss)■■ Difficulty concentrating■■ Isolating from family and friends
Understanding IPV Behaviors
Perpetrators of IPV often blame victims for causing
abusive behavior and may manipulate people and situations
that can leave victims feeling confused and isolated. If yourpartner is engaging in the behaviors below, you may beexperiencing IPV:■■ Tries to control your time and daily activities■■ Tries to control or threatens to restrict your access tomoney, friends or family, school, or your job■■ Forces you to have sex■■ Threatens and/or humiliates you in front of others■■ Damages your belongings■■ Controls your access to and use of contraception■■ Threatens to have you reported for made up crimes■■ Repeatedly contacts you without your consent■■ Reads your email or accesses your social media accounts

without your permission■■ Blames you for things that are not your fault

How to Get Help
Victim shame, stigma surrounding IPV, fear of
retribution by the perpetrator, and financial consequences
can serve as barriers to seeking help. Even if you are notcertain that you are experiencing IPV, it can be helpful tocontact a trusted resource to share your experiences and tolearn more. The recommendations and resources below canhelp you feel safer and get connected with experts:■■ Call 911 if you are in immediate physical danger■■ Seek medical care right away if you have been abused■■ Talk with someone you trust■■ If you plan to go to law enforcement, consider asking afriend to accompany you■■ Call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at 800-799SAFE to find a victim advocate near you. Advocates
can help address areas of concern, such as your safety
and the safety of your children and pets, your job, andfinances■■ Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-6564673 for help following an assault■■ Call the National Dating Abuse Helpline at 866-3319474 for help following dating violence