Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Definition and Global Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified violence against women as a major public health problem and a violation of women's human rights. According to the WHO (2021), violence against women takes many forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, and it is pervasive in all countries regardless of social, economic, or cultural background. A significant and prevalent form is Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).
Definition of Intimate Partner Violence
The WHO (2012) defines Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as:
“Any behaviour within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological or sexual harm to those in the relationship. It includes acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviours.”
IPV occurs between current or former spouses or partners and affects women disproportionately. Though men may also experience IPV, the overwhelming majority of victims globally are women, and perpetrators are mostly male (WHO, 2021).
Forms of Intimate Partner Violence
According to WHO and various studies, IPV may include:
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Physical violence: slapping, hitting, kicking, and beating.
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Sexual violence: forced sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual coercion.
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Psychological abuse: insults, belittling, constant humiliation, intimidation (e.g., destroying things), threats of harm.
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Controlling behaviors: isolation from family and friends, monitoring movements, restricting access to financial resources or education.
Statistical Overview and Country Case Studies
Mauritius
A study by the Mauritius Research Council (MRC, 2022) reveals that 1 in 4 Mauritian women have experienced some form of IPV. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare has identified physical, emotional, and economic abuse as the primary forms. Socio-cultural norms, economic dependency, and weak enforcement of laws contribute to underreporting and persistence of IPV. The Protection from Domestic Violence Act (1997) was a significant legislative response but has faced criticism for limited implementation (UN Women, 2023).
United Kingdom
In the UK, Office for National Statistics (ONS, 2023) reported that an estimated 1.7 million women experienced domestic abuse in 2022, most of which was IPV. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 broadened the definition of IPV to include coercive control, emotional, and economic abuse. However, ethnic minority and immigrant women remain disproportionately affected and under-protected due to legal status fears and systemic bias (Women's Aid UK, 2023).
United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced IPV in their lifetime. IPV is a major public health crisis, costing over $3.6 trillion in lifetime economic burdens (Peterson et al., 2018). Legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) have improved support systems, yet gaps remain, especially for marginalized groups such as Indigenous women, LGBTQ+, and women of color.
India
The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2021) reported that 29.3% of ever-married women aged 18–49 experienced IPV. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) provides civil remedies, but implementation remains inconsistent, especially in rural areas. Socio-cultural factors, such as patriarchy, dowry, and honor-based norms, aggravate the incidence and underreporting of IPV (Singh & Jain, 2022).
South Africa
South Africa has one of the highest rates of IPV globally. According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC, 2020), 56% of women have experienced IPV. Despite strong legal instruments like the Domestic Violence Act (1998) and Sexual Offences Act, enforcement remains weak. Post-apartheid trauma, economic inequality, and high levels of gender-based violence contribute to the normalization of IPV (Jewkes et al., 2015).
Palestine
In Palestine, UN Women (2021) reported that 37% of ever-married women have experienced some form of IPV. The situation is exacerbated by political conflict, economic hardship, and patriarchal customs. The legal system remains fragmented, and IPV is often seen as a private family matter. Recent efforts by NGOs and international bodies have pushed for legal reform and protective services, but progress remains limited.
Health and Social Consequences of IPV
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Physical effects: injuries, chronic pain, disability
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Mental health: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse
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Sexual and reproductive health: unwanted pregnancies, STIs, miscarriages
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Social and economic costs: absenteeism from work/school, homelessness, long-term economic dependence
According to the WHO (2021), IPV affects approximately 27% of women aged 15–49 globally, with lifelong impacts on health, education, and economic participation.
Conclusion
Intimate Partner Violence is a pervasive global issue cutting across cultural, geographic, and socio-economic boundaries. While countries like Mauritius, UK, US, India, South Africa, and Palestine vary in their legal and social responses, the root causes—gender inequality, patriarchal structures, and systemic impunity—remain similar. A coordinated response involving law enforcement, healthcare, education, and civil society is critical to addressing IPV. International frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) and CEDAW serve as foundational guides for national actions.
References
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WHO. (2012). Understanding and addressing violence against women: Intimate partner violence.
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WHO. (2021). Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates, 2018.
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ONS. (2023). Domestic abuse in England and Wales overview.
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CDC. (2023). Intimate Partner Violence.
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NFHS-5. (2021). India National Family Health Survey.
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SAMRC. (2020). Research Brief on IPV in South Africa.
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UN Women. (2023). Gender Equality Reports: Mauritius & Palestine.
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Singh, S., & Jain, N. (2022). Gender-Based Violence in India: Challenges and Interventions.
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Peterson, C. et al. (2018). Lifetime economic burden of intimate partner violence. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
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Jewkes, R., et al. (2015). Intimate partner violence: causes and prevention. The Lancet.
