Intimate Partner Violence/Problem and Victims in Rhode Island

摘要

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as violence or threat of violence in a close relationship, including current/ former spouses or dating partners. 1-3 IPV affects females and racial/ethnic minorities disproportionately in the U.S. 2 Soci- etal costs of IPV victimization approach $6 billion ever y year based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. 2, 3 There are many risk factors for IPV, including low education, unemployment, poor neighborhood, public assistance receipt, alcohol abuse, prior domestic violence or forced sex, abusive relationship, access to firearms, and pre- vious mental health problems of the suspect. 1-3 IPV causes a substantial burden on individuals, families, and communi- ties. Because of the prevalence and associated costs, IPV has been recognized as a major public health problem.