Article Sections

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a highly prevalent and complex public health issue.  It encompasses both actions and threats of abuse—physical, sexual, psychologic, or economic—perpetrated by a current or former partner or spouse.Despite its high prevalence, IPV is underreported.  Victims may have multiple reasons for avoiding disclosure, including perceived stigma, safety concerns/fear of retribution, and shame or self-blame.  In addition, IPV is often undiagnosed because external signs of abuse can be subtle or absent.  Therefore, addressing IPV first requires identifying affected patients through routine screening.

Epidemiology and risk factors

IPV is highly prevalent, with an estimated lifetime risk of 1 in 3 for women and 1 in 4 for men.  It affects patients across all demographic groups, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status.

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