ethnicity, socio-economic status,
sexual orientation or religion [1–4]. IPV is defined as
any behaviour within a present or former intimate relationship
that leads to physical, sexual or psychological
harm, including acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion,
psychological abuse and controlling behaviour patterns
[5]. IPV is also known as domestic/family violence,
spouse/partner abuse/assault, battering, violence against
women or gender-based violence [6–8]. Based on the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition of
IPV [9], we have chosen to consistently use the term ‘violence’
for physical and sexual types of violence, and ‘abuse’
for psychological types. The word ‘abuse’ clearly refers to a
broader range of behaviours than the word ‘violence’,
which is often associated with severe forms of violent
behaviour