Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025-5
Abstract
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is violence that occurs between two current or former partners who were either involved in a dating relationship or marriage. This term differs from Domestic Violence (DV) because the individuals involved do not necessarily share a residence. IPV may consist of, but is not limited to, stalking, physical violence, forced sex, threats, intimidation, coercion, economic abuse, and psychological abuse. Unfortunately, IPV may escalate to homicide, either intimate partner homicide (IPH) or homicide suicide. IPH is commonly defined as one partner killing the other’s intimate partner. Although incidences of IPV are underreported, there is a link between previously reported IPV and IPH. Homicide-suicide refers to a homicide that involves the perpetrator committing suicide within 24 hours of the initial crime. Homicide-suicide is mostly associated with current or former partners as well. Statistically, in instances of IPH and homicide-suicides, a male perpetrates the violent act, and the female partner is victimized. The focus of this project is victims of IPV, but more specifically, female victims. This does not invalidate the fact that men or other gender identities can be the victims of IPV. However, it is well known that crimes such as IPV, strangulation, and sexual assault disproportionately affect women. IPV is unique when compared to other forms of violence because it occurs over an extended period. This may offer an opportunity for victims to be identified and assessed for lethality as an attempt to prevent the escalation of IPV to homicide. To expand on this idea, assessments were developed using questions specific to risk factors discussed throughout. These assessments were implemented in the hospital’s emergency department when female victims of IPV presented for forensic nurse consultations.
Keywords: intimate partner violence, domestic violence, intimate partner homicide, homicide-suicide
License
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