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