List
Resources on Intimate Partner Violence
Collection
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship. “Intimate partner” refers to both current and former spouses and dating partners. IPV can vary in how often it happens and how severe it is. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years. IPV can include any of the following types of behavior:
- Physical violence is when a person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.
- Sexual violence is forcing or attempting to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, or a non-physical sexual event (e.g., sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.
- Stalking is a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a partner that causes fear or concern for one’s own safety or the safety of someone close to the victim.
- Psychological aggression is the use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm another partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over another partner.
(Source: CDC: Fast Facts: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence)
If you or someone you know is experiencing this, formerly known as domestic violence, you can get help. Here are some resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Love is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network’s (RAINN) National Sexual Assault Hotline
In addition, here's a list of books on the topic that can help understand the issue and offer paths to help.
Not That Bad
Dispatches from Rape Culture
Published in 2018
"In this valuable and revealing anthology, cultural critic and bestselling author Roxane Gay collects original and previously published pieces that address what it means to live in a world where women have to measure the harassment, violence, and aggression they face, and where they are “routinely second-guessed, blown off, discredited, denigrated, besmirched, belittled, patronized, mocked, shamed, gaslit, insulted, bullied” for speaking out. Highlighting the stories of well-known actors, writers, and experts, as well as new voices being published for the first time, Not That Bad covers a wide range of topics and experiences, from an exploration of the rape epidemic embedded in the refugee crisis to first-person accounts of child molestation and street harassment. Often deeply personal and always unflinchingly honest, this provocative collection both reflects the world we live in and offers a call to arms insisting that "not that bad" must no longer be good enough."--Page [2] of cover.
I'm Saying No!
Standing Up Against Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Pressure
Published in 2019
"Thanks to the #MeToo movement, more and more women are coming forward to tell their stories of sexual assault, harassment, and child sexual abuse. But unfortunately there are still many women who are afraid to speak out. There are still far too many college students who are raped and too afraid to report it. There are still women who are being subjected to sexual harassment, sexual bullying, and sexual pressure every day but are unable to speak up and say "No!" And there are still women who are currently being sexually assaulted in their intimate relationships who are unable to report the abuse or to find the strength to walk away. Written specifically for women who are still afraid to speak up for themselves, especially women whose personal history of child sexual abuse or sexual assault, as an adult has wounded them so much they have lost their voice. I'm saying No! will help all women find their voice and their courage so they can better resist all forms of sexual violence." -- back cover.
Scared to Leave Afraid to Stay
Paths from Family Violence to Safety
Published in 2002
Presents the stories of ten women who fought the courts and their abusers to gain safety for themselves and their children.
No Visible Bruises
What We Don't Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us
Published in 2019
"[The author} explores America's epidemic of domestic violence and how it has been misunderstood, sharing insights into what domestic violence portends about other types of violence and what countermeasures are needed today."
Healing from Hidden Abuse
A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse.
Published in 2017
Within every community, toxic people can be found hiding in families, couples, companies, and places of worship. The cryptic nature of psychological abuse involves repetitious mind games played by one individual or a group of people. Psychological abuse leaves no bruises. There are no broken bones. There are no holes in the walls. The bruises, brokenness, and holes are held tightly within the target of the abuse.
