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Intimate Partner Violence

Description

Intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, family violence, and dating violence, occurs throughout the country every day. It impacts victims and witnesses physically, psychologically, and socially. Unlike most other crimes, domestic violence is usually not a sudden, isolated, and unexpected incident. It may involve years of emotional and psychological trauma, as well as physical injuries that may become increasingly more severe and occur more frequently over time.

However, many victims do not view themselves as victims and do not realize that domestic violence is a crime perpetrated against them—and many others. Everyone has an important role in supporting victims of domestic violence—local law enforcement officers, child and family services workers, community leaders, educators, coaches, and parents. All are critical in identifying, intervening, and providing treatment in cases of domestic violence.

The following resources provide information on intimate partner violence.