“The term “intimate partner violence” describes physical, sexual, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. This type of violence can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples and does not require sexual intimacy. IPV can vary in frequency and severity. It occurs on a continuum, ranging from one hit that may or may not impact the victim to chronic, severe battering. Repeated abuse is also known as battering” (CDC, 2007).
United States Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Intimate partner violence: Overview. Retrieved on June 28, 2007, from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/ipvoverview.htm.