INTIMATE PARTNER SEXUAL VIOLENCE

In Canada and around the world, a large number of women have experienced both sexual violence and forms of intimate partner violence (IPV). These experiences can occur as separate incidents across the life course or together within the context of an intimate relationship. This newsletter will focus on the latter, commonly referred to as intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV). However, we recognize that IPSV is not the only way in which sexual and intimate partner violence intersect.

In Canada and around the world, a large number of women have experienced both sexual violence and forms of intimate partner violence (IPV). These experiences can occur as separate incidents across the life course or together within the context of an intimate relationship. This newsletter will focus on the latter, commonly referred to as intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV). However, we recognize that IPSV is not the only way in which sexual and intimate partner violence intersect.
Generally, IPSV involves "deliberate intimidation or coercion." The survivor may either be pressured to perform sexual acts that they are not comfortable with, or pressured to take part in acts that they do not wish to engage in. 1 The consequences of IPSV are real and often severe. Compared to survivors of non-partner sexual violence, survivors of IPSV experience longer lasting trauma, higher levels of physical injury, higher incidences of multiple sexual assaults, and an increased likelihood of violence resulting in pregnancy and deliberate exposure to sexually transmitted infections. 2 In addition, women who experience IPSV are also more likely to be killed by their intimate partner. 3 Survivors of IPSV are also frequently met with disbelief, denial, minimization and stigmatization, at least in part due to the many misconceptions surrounding IPSV. 4 Despite the significance of IPSV, we know relatively little about the issue and the many contexts in which it occurs. Why? Although intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is the most common term used to describe this type of violence, it is important to situate discussions of IPSV within a context that recognizes survivors' diverse experiences, that does not overlook the root causes of violence, and that does not produce or reproduce messages that minimize acts of violence. This newsletter uses the term IPSV but recognizes that it is viewed as limiting or problematic by some.
An agreed upon common language and definition helps efforts to recognize and name this violence and to advance research and practice.
The following terms are also used to refer to IPSV:  Understanding and responding to IPSV can be complex. There are many inter-related factors that work together to shape the larger issue and many important facts to keep in mind.
Here is what we have learned so far from survivors, practitioners and researchers: vawlearningnetwork.ca

Tips for Interpreting Existing Statistics on IPSV
Research on IPSV is currently lacking and research that does exist faces many limitations. Nevertheless, statistics are important for helping us to understand the nature and depth of a social problem. The following are some of the best estimates available concerning the prevalence of IPSV, but must be interpreted with caution. Considerations to be aware of when reading about IPSV statistics can be found in the tip box at the bottom of this page.

Don't jump to conclusions!
• Lack of longitudinal research makes it difficult to determine causal factors or to understand experiences over time

Ask who is and who is not represented
• There is limited research on IPSV in most "otherized" groups (e.g. trans* individuals, Indigenous populations, women with disabilities) • Individuals are often contacted through specific organizations (e.g. a trans* health clinic) and it is not known whether this group of individuals can be said to be representative of all individuals belonging to that particular group • Even when studies use a sample that is representative of the population, the sample typically does not have an adequate number of individuals belonging to various groups from which to draw meaningful conclusions

Consider what was asked and how
• Survey instruments can have significant limitations (e.g. some scales do not identify the context or sequence of the violence) • The presentation of research questions can affect results (e.g. individuals may report differently depending on the wording used)

Remember that reported rates are not necessarily "true" rates
• The stigma around IPSV can lead to underreporting • Data are often retrospective, meaning individuals are asked to rely on memory and recall past events. A variety of factors can affect an individuals' ability to accurately remember past events (e.g. gender, culture, nature of the incident, amount of time that has passed).
• IPSV is often collapsed under intimate partner violence or sexual violence, making it indistinguishable from these broader rates In 2011, 17% of police-reported sexual assaults against women in Canada were committed by a current or former intimate partner.
It is estimated that 25-55% of women in the United States experiencing physical violence from an intimate partner also experience sexual violence by the same partner.
Approximately 1 out of every 11 women in Australia has been sexually assaulted by a male intimate partner since the age of 15.
What do we need to know more about?

IPSV at the Intersections: Examples of Lived Experience
There is limited research on experiences of intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) for many groups of women, including but not limited to: • women with disabilities • young women • women who are HIV positive • women with limited socioeconomic resources • women who live in northern/remote/rural areas • women who are/have been incarcerated • women experiencing mental health challenges • women who identify as lesbian, bisexual and/ or queer • trans* individuals • women who work in the sex industry • indigenous women • women from cultural, racial/ethnic, and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds Women may identify as belonging to more than one group, and these intersections create unique patterns of lived experience, such as increased vulnerability to sexual violence or barriers to accessing supports.
When interpreting available research on IPSV in diverse groups, it is important to avoid conflating experiences of violence with stereotypical accounts of particular groups as this may "erase the complexity of lived experience" and reinforce oppressive discourses (e.g. racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia). 7

The lived experience of diverse groups of women is impacted by the broader social context (e.g. social disadvantage, historical and current oppressions).
"Where do you go? Your family doctor… could be his best mate." -Rural Survivor of IPSV Racialized women may belong to groups with historical connections to state reproductive control which may exacerbate experiences of violence, particularly reproductive control by a partner.
Women living in rural/remote/northern communities may have limited access to domestic violence and sexual violence services.
Sex workers may be in a relationship with an intimate partner who controls their choices at work.
Women with disabilities may be dependent on an intimate partner for assistance and particularly vulnerable to sexual assault within this relationship.
Lesbian women may struggle to identify their experience of IPSV as violence given gender norms which position women as incapable of sexual assault.
Women with HIV or who have partners with HIV can face significant health consequences when IPSV interferes with their capacity to negotiate condom use.

Resources Take Charge! A Reproductive Health Guide for Women with Disabilities
This 2015 guide reviews issues related to reproductive health, rights, and justice for women with disabilities, including accessing health care services. Violence/abuse, mental health, and mothering are also explored. Resources for women with disabilities are included.

Racism and Disparities in Women's Use of the Depo-Provera Injection in the Contemporary USA
This 2011 article examines sterilization abuse directed at women of color in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s. This has implications on women of color today, including their experiences of sexual violence, structural violence, and experiences of reproductive control.

Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights, and Realities and Access to Services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada
This 2012 joint policy statement was prepared by the Aboriginal Health Initiatives Sub-Committee and approved by the Executive Council of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. The purpose of this statement is to "reaffirm the sexual and reproductive rights of FNIM and to reflect the realities they face in their communities." Recommendations include promoting awareness and developing cultural competence among health care providers.

Sexual violence and gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer communities
This 2012 resource sheet provides an overview of the current research on GLBTIQ sexual violence, including sexual violence within same-sex relationships. It also discusses the limitations of current research, identifies issues with service provision to GLBTIQ survivors, and explores key barriers to disclosing and reporting experiences of sexual violence.

Healthy Moms, Happy Babies: A Train the Trainers Curriculum on Domestic Violence, Reproductive Coercion and Children Exposed
This 2015 curriculum from Futures Without Violence provides training, tools, and resources to help home visitation workers address domestic violence, including issues of birth control sabotage, pregnancy pressure, and unintended pregnancy.