Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Family Violence (FV) are widespread issues affecting millions of individuals across North America and globally. These forms of violence extend far beyond physical harm, encompassing psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse, all rooted in the abuser's desire for power and control over the victim. The complexity of IPV and FV impacts people of all demographics, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or the level of intimacy in the relationship.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), IPV includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner, and crucially, it is preventable (CDC, 2022). Dr. Esgar Guarín, in his lecture on IPV, emphasizes the issue of underreporting, which causes a significant loss of data that could help address the problem. He also highlights the importance of spreading awareness: no one deserves to experience violence, and it is critical for individuals to understand that they are not alone, nor should they fear judgment (Guarín, 2022).
Economic abuse is a key element of both intimate partner violence (IPV) and family violence (FV) that is often overlooked. Abusers may closely monitor their partner's finances restrict access to financial resources, sabotage job opportunities, or even accumulate debt in the victim’s name. Furthermore, abusers may also use money as a form of punishment. For example, using verbal abuse, threats to breakup if their partner spends too much money or buys things they would like for themselves. Abusers will try and erode a victim's sense of confidence over money, often treating them like a child or a subordinate.
This type of abuse keeps victims financially dependent, making it incredibly difficult for them to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives. Economic abuse is particularly underreported in LGBTQIAS+ communities, where there is limited data on its prevalence. By recognizing the intersection between financial control and other forms of abuse, we can better develop targeted interventions and support systems (Haifley, 2021).
Family violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. It was once believed that parental conflict had little impact on children, but modern research has shown that witnessing abuse in the home can be deeply harmful to a child's well-being. Various forms of family violence, including intimate partner violence, child abuse, and elder abuse, underscore the importance of recognizing signs of abuse as a future social worker (Government of Canada, 2022).
Survivor stories are invaluable in understanding the breadth of IPV and FV, as they span across all ages, life stages, and cultural backgrounds. Victims often experience feelings of shame and guilt, stemming from societal judgment. Sharon, a survivor featured by RAINN, shares how she could help others create safety plans but struggled to do so for herself, feeling hypocritical (RAINN, 2023). These stories highlight the numerous reasons victims stay in abusive relationships, from threats to their safety to economic dependency. As social workers, we must be sensitive to each individual’s journey and create an environment of advocacy and shared healing.
Social workers have an ethical responsibility to stay informed about the latest research and trends in IPV and FV. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, social workers should engage in ongoing education and utilize empirically-based knowledge to serve their clients ethically (NASW, 2021). This includes staying up to date on emerging trends, such as economic abuse, and applying this knowledge to offer better support and interventions for victims of IPV and FV.