Intimate partner abuse and violence (IPAV) is not only physical; it can also be sexual, psychological, social, cultural, financial and spiritual. IPAV can be in-person or technology facilitated. IPAV is a pervasive public health problem with short- and long-term impacts on the health of all members of the family, particularly women and children.
1 In Australia, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 17 men since the age of 15 years have experienced physical, sexual, emotional or economic abuse from a cohabiting partner.
2 IPAV often commences and escalates in pregnancy. Most survivors are women in heterosexual relationships; however, men and non-binary people can experience IPAV, in same-sex and gender-diverse relationships.
3 It is estimated that one-half to two-thirds of women survivors have children in their care at the time of the violence, which results in behavioural, cognitive and health issues for their children in later life.
3 IPAV is a leading contributor to ill health and premature death among women, mainly due to mental health issues.
1 Social impacts include economic insecurity, isolation and homelessness.
4 Women who have experienced IPAV use healthcare services more than women not experiencing IPAV.
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