Physical abuse and control of intimate partners in LGBTQ+ relationships

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a worldwide issue that affects people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Definitions of IPV vary across countries and legal systems. The definition used by the criminal justice system in the UK is ‘… any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality’ (Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), 2017). While this definition includes any act of domestic abuse, this chapter will use a definition that only applies to abuse in an ...