For MGH Professionals

What is Intimate Partner Abuse?

Definition:

Intimate Partner Abuse (or domestic violence) is characterized by a pattern of coercive control exercised by one partner over the other.  Abusers use sexual and physical assault, social isolation, economic, emotional and psychological abuse, threats and harassment to establish and maintain control over their partners.

Intimate Partner Abuse:

• Occurs in heterosexual as well as same sex relationships
• Impacts women at high rates. Men can also be victims.
• Can occur at any time in the life cycle, beginning in the dating years through the end of life.