Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is defined by the World Health Organization as “behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, sexual or psychological harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviours. This definition covers violence by both current and former spouses and partners.” It can also be called “domestic violence”, or “spousal abuse”.

IPV affects people of any gender, sexuality, race, religion, socio-economic class, and age. It is impossible to know how many people are affected by IPV, as it is very under-reported.