About Intimate Partner Violence

Abuse is never O.K.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) can happen among heterosexual and 2SLGBTQ+ partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds and economic statuses. Although it is more common for women to experience abuse, men also experience abuse. IPV affects everyone in the family. Children exposed to IPV are more likely to develop behavioural problems and may grow up to think that violence in an intimate relationship is acceptable.

Abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, physical or financial. While physical injury is dangerous and scary, the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also very serious. Emotionally abusive relationships can destroy one’s feelings of self-worth and self-confidence and possibly lead to anxiety and depression. Physical health problems can also develop from living with severe stress and anxiety that come from being in an abusive environment.

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence

In most abusive relationships, violence does not occur all the time. The continuum of violence helps explain an abuser’s actions in between episodes of violence. To learn more, visit the Understanding Intimate Partner Violence section of our website.

The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Children

IPV affects everyone in the family. Children exposed to IPV are more likely to develop behavioural problems and may grow up to think that violence in an intimate relationship is normal. Visit the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Children page to learn more.

The Link between Intimate Partner Violence and Substance Abuse

Substance use is a factor in many cases of IPV – either for the abusive partner, the person being abused, or both. The link between IPV and substance use is complex. Although many people may feel tempted to blame violent behaviour on drugs or alcohol, substance use is not the cause of it in intimate relationships. However, it is important to recognize the link between IPV and substance use to keep yourself safe. To learn more, visit the Link Between Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse section of our website.

Staying Safe

If you are at risk of IPV, it is a good idea to have a protection plan. A protection plan can remind you what to do if you are in danger and you need to act quickly. To learn more about protection planning, visit the Staying Safe page.

More Resources:

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence and How to Move Forward

Domestic Violence Resource Card:

Domestic Abuse Community Resource Map (Winnipeg)

Domestic Abuse Community Resource Map (Brandon)

Government of Manitoba: Status of Women: Sexual Violence -- You Are Not Alone