Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Through Its Dynamics

One half of all serious injuries seen in women who are treated in emergency departments are the result of battering, and often such injuries involve multiple sites, especially the face, chest, breasts, and abdomen.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has far-reaching effects. Since the landmark National Crime Victimization Survey of 1992, American society has known the frequency and severity of the abuse experienced by woman at the hands of their intimate partners. In fact, the survey found that more than 2,000 people were murdered by intimate others [1]. One half of all serious injuries seen in women who are treated in emergency departments are the result of battering. Often such injuries involve multiple sites, especially the face, chest, breasts, and abdomen [2].