Question
What is the difference between intimate partner violence and domestic violence?
Answer
Oftentimes these terms are used interchangeably. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is abuse between a couple who is married, was previously married, is dating, or was dating, and domestic violence is a little more all-encompassing because it includes children, other family members, pets, relatives, and those who are residing within the same household or that have previously cohabitated. The term domestic violence (DV) takes into consideration the multi-generational household members. Intimate partner violence, in contrast, may not take into account the aunt who lives within the home and watches the children.
In general, interpersonal violence incorporates violence that occurs between people and is a little bit more general. Whereas domestic violence is a pattern of intentional behaviors by one partner using tactics of abuse, control, and coercion to control their partner, previous partner, children, family members, or others in the home. Domestic violence is the purposeful use of intimidation, threats, or emotional, psychological, economic, physical, or sexual abuse.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Social Work Practice and Domestic Violence Podcast, presented by Benjamin T. Bencomo, DSW, LISW, LCSW and Jeannetta Baca, DSW, LCSW, LISW
