Intimate Partner Violence Against Women

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) is essentially domestic violence conducted by a partner in an intimate relationship against the spouse. Over time, IPV can take the form of physical, sexual, emotional and verbal abuse (CDC, 2016). The most severe form of IPV is known as coercive controlling violence that is usually perpetrated by men against women. This is one of the most common reasons why women seek help from a women’s shelter. IPV is a public health issue and the incidence has been increasing over the years. It is seen in every culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic level of society and affects both genders (NCADV, 2016).

Some of the factors that should be considered when working with victims of IPV include: low income, low self-esteem,
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Part of the reason for the low numbers in men may be due to embarrassment in reporting abuse by a female. The exact number of men abused in IPV is not known. Overall females are more likely to undergo sexual abuse compared to men. In addition, a similar trend is seen with stalking; females are stalked at a much higher rate than males. Within the miliary, the overwhelming majority of IPV is against women.

Globally men are involved in more IPV against women stemming from their rigid beliefs of patriarchy and masculinity. Further violence during pregnancy is also a major issue. Men often tend to react negatively towards pregnant partners because of 1) difficult living situation 2) questioning relationship commitment 3) changing roles and expectations 4) sexual needs 5) jealousy 6) adverse childhood experiences and 8) unwanted pregnancy.

Women also tend to suffer a disproportionate number of injuries, fear and posttraumatic stress as a result of IPV. Further the number of women killed as a result of IPV is 3 times higher than men. When apprehended, women are frequently cited where men are often taken in custody. Men tend to be more likely to be incarcerated and given harsher sentences. Men are treated harshly at all levels of the criminal justice
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Tools have been developed that can guide social workers and other healthcare workers in managing these people. The individual should be shown compassion without any judgement. Reassurance should be provided that help will be available and it should be emphasized that no person should live under the threat of violence. Always take images of any injuries as they may be required in court (after a consent is obtained). Next determine where the patient would like to go- family, friend, shelter (Catalano,

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