Intimate Partner Violence
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) encompasses “physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive tactics) by a current or former intimate partner (i.e., spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, dating partner, or ongoing sexual partner).”1 IPV is commonly referred to as domestic violence in many countries; however, although domestic violence covers the same behaviours and dynamics as IPV, domestic violence can occur between any two people within a household and not only between intimate partners.2 Family violence, another related term, is broader and includes a range of violence (e.g., abuse, mistreatment, or neglect) that can happen in families, such as child and elderly abuse by caregivers and others.1
IPV can happen to anyone regardless of race, gender, culture, and socioeconomic status.2 IPV can also occur in any relationship, including heterosexual relationships and relationships among sexual minority populations1; however, this toolkit focuses on IPV among survivors who identify as women, including cisgender and transgender women, as the vast majority of IPV survivors are women3.
This toolkit is designed to provide information primarily about the intersection of Intimate Partner Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury. As such, it does not provide in-depth information about IPV. You can find out more information about IPV in general and some of the specific concerns survivors and care providers encounter by exploring the websites listed below.
- Website
VEGA Project
VEGA has developed an online platform of education resources comprised of learning modules (e.g., care pathways, scripts, how-to videos), interactive educational scenarios and a Handbook. These will equip healthcare and social service providers (including students) in addressing the needs of those who may have experienced family violence. These resources are based on a series of systematic reviews summarizing the scientific evidence.
- Website
- Shelter
Women’s Shelters Canada
Women’s Shelters Canada is a network of 14 provincial and territorial shelter associations representing over 450 shelters across Canada. Their website, ShelterSafe.ca is an online resource for women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. The clickable map serves as a quick resource to connect women with the nearest shelter that can offer safety, hope, and support.
Visit ShelterSafe.ca>>
- Website
Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC)
CREVAWC is a centre housed at the University of Western Ontario faculty of Medicine that focuses on research, education, and advocacy on prevention of violence against women and children. They provide online training modules ranging from collaborative prevention efforts to how to respond to disclosure. CREVAWC is a collaboration between The University of Western Ontario, Fanshawe College and the London Coordinating Committee to End Women Abuse.
- Website
- Training
IPV Educate
The EDUCATE program was developed with the purpose of providing orthopaedic surgeons and health care providers working in fracture clinics with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to comfortably assist women who are victims of intimate partner violence. It uses a multi-faceted approach to deliver training, including: an in-person presentation, videos, case sharing, and interactive discussions.
- Website
WomenatthecentrE
WomenatthecentrE was founded in 2008 by survivors to offer personal advocacy (e.g., skills-building training, peer support), political advocacy (e.g., provides evidence to governments and service agencies) and social advocacy (e.g., raises public awareness, community outreach) programs to survivors.