PTSD and Intimate Partner Violence: Clinical Considerations and Treatment Options

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health concern affecting over 40 million individuals at least once during their lifetime. Among the various negative implications for partners and families are economic, emotional, physical, and social consequences. Recently, it has become evident that female victims of IPV develop PTSD at alarming rates. Approximately 25% of American women will experience IPV in their lifetime resulting in mental health consequences. PTSD can be both a result of IPV and a contributing factor for engaging in IPV. Onset of PTSD can occur six months to years after the traumatic event. Common symptoms include a re-experiencing of traumatic events through memories and nightmares. Victims fi nd themselves reliving the event through events called fl ashbacks. An avoidance of anything that reminds the person of the traumatic event often occurs. Victims are typically over aroused, easily startled, and quick to anger. This paper describes the literature on IPV and PTSD along with available treatment options, and concludes with recommendations for future research and practice