Intimate partner violence (sometimes called domestic violence or partner abuse) refers to abuse that occurs within an intimate relationship. Intimate partner violence can happen in any intimate relationship regardless of income, length of relationship, living arrangements, marital status, or social status.
Below are examples of intimate partner violence:
Healthy relationships take two people. Both parties have to work towards maintaining a healthy relationship. Communication is a very important part of healthy relationships as is respect for one another.
Healthy relationships should support personal growth and development. Both individuals should be free to have friends and activities outside of the relationship.
Healthy relationships with romantic partners include a physical aspect that friends do not have. This adds a new dimension to the relationship. However, the important qualities such as respect, trust, honesty, and communication play an active role in establishing boundaries and respecting them.
Unhealthy relationships do occur, in both friendships and romantic relationships. Unhealthy relationships take place when there is an imbalance of power in the relationship. Because of this, physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual abuse can occur.
Unhealthy relationships can decrease a person’s feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. Sometimes, people who are involved in unhealthy relationships begin to believe that love is conditional or that they deserve the treatment that they are receiving. This can lead the person to become involved in other relationships that are abusive.
It is important that youth understand how to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships. This can, at times, be difficult to recognize. Sometimes, the warning signs are subtle or occur gradually. Unhealthy relationships may be hard to recognize or discuss if they are common in a community, school, or social group.