Domestic violence is sometimes called intimate partner violence. It includes physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, as well as sexual coercion and stalking by a current or former intimate partner. An intimate partner is a person with whom someone has a close personal or sexual relationship (Office of Women’s Health). Intimate partner violence is connected to other forms of violence and can lead to serious health issues and economic consequences. About 2 in 5 women and 1 in 4 men report having experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), although only half of intimate partner violence incidents are reported to law enforcement (Bureau of Justice Statistics).

Considerations for Equitable Approaches: While domestic violence occurs across all demographics, some groups experience inequities in risk for violence due to social and structural conditions. Youth from groups that have been marginalized, such as LGBTQ youth, are at greater risk of experiencing sexual and physical dating violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Individuals with a disability are also at increased risk for experiencing sexual violence and intimate partner violence (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Data from U.S. crime reports suggest that about 1 in 5 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. Over half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Cultural stigma and shame may lead to underreporting of intimate partner violence. Adopting validated clinical screening tools can help to better identify survivors (Kaiser Family Foundation). Strategies to prevent intimate partner violence include teaching safe and healthy relationship skills, engaging influential adults and peers in prevention and education, disrupting the developmental pathways toward partner violence, creating protective environments, strengthening economic supports for families, and supporting survivors to increase safety and lessen harms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Inclusive Language Recommendations: Recommendations for more inclusive language include utilizing person-first language such as “survivor of” rather than “victim of” intimate partner violence, which can dehumanize those who are being referred to (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).