Definition: DV/DA/IPV (Domestic violence/abuse or Intimate partner violence): A pattern of behavior by a current or former partner to gain or maintain power and control.

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Little Known Fact: DV is the #1 health issue for Black women—addressing it is key to improving outcomes

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Types: 

• Coercive control - A form of emotional abuse where abusers use subtle behaviors, like body language or actions, to intimidate and control victims, creating fear of punishment for non-compliance. Reliable indicator for homicide. Download 8-Stage DV Timeline fact sheet

• Stalking (digital or physical) - Repeated physical or digital harassment, monitoring, or threats—chances for homicide increase by 3x when it is present. Download the fact sheet

• Sexual abuse/coercion - Pressuring or coercing unwanted sexual activity, including reproductive sabotage

• Financial/Economical - Control, sabotage, or blocking access to finances or financial stability

• Image-based sexual assault - Sharing private sexual pictures or videos without consent, often to get back at or control someone. Formerly called revenge porn

• Religious/Spiritual - Manipulating, controlling, or shaming a partner using their religious or spiritual beliefs, or preventing them from practicing their faith

• Emotional or Verbal - Behaviors like name-calling, controlling, isolating, humiliating, gaslighting, threatening, or damaging belongings to control or frighten you

• Physical - Hitting, choking, slapping, using weapons, restricting food/sleep, preventing emergency help, harming children/pets, reckless driving, or trapping you​​

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