Sean Combs Trial Highlights Intimate Partner Violence

As the Sean Diddy Combs trial ends its third week, a long list of sorted details into Comb’s now notorious “freak offs” have emerged and stunned the public. Among those details are disturbing testimony that Cassie Ventura Fine – model, singer, and former girlfriend of Combs — shared during the first week of the trial. Much of her testimony centered around her alleged experiences of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse at the hands of Combs. Although he is not being charged with domestic violence or assault, many have felt her testimony was compelling and spoke to a much larger issue that women around the world experience daily – domestic abuse or intimate-partner violence (IPV).

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence

According to the Emory University School of Medicine, women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate partner, and every year, nearly 5.3 million incidents of intimate partner violence occur among U.S. women aged 18 and older. In fact, women between 16 and 24 years of age are most likely to be victimized by an intimate partner, and over 47% of women have encountered contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Sadly, most IPV incidents are not reported to the police, with only 20% of rapes and sexual assaults, 25% of physical assaults, and 50% of stalking towards women reported. Additionally, only about 1 out of 5 IPV survivors with physical injuries seek professional medical treatment. That said, despite severe under-reporting, calls related to IPV make up about half of all violent crime calls to police departments.

Signs of Domestic Violence

Even more disheartening, IPV results in nearly 1,300 deaths and 2 million injuries every year in the U.S., and more than three women are killed by their husbands or boyfriends every day. IPV can present in multiple forms of abuse, and it’s essential to recognize that the signs may differ depending on the relationship. Some of the more common signs of domestic violence include physical aggression, such as slapping, hitting, or pushing. Verbal and emotional abuse are also common forms of abuse. Abusive partners can have unpredictable moods that often change quickly and drastically. They may verbally threaten their partner, call them names, swear at them—or they may threaten to hurt themselves, their partner, or loved ones. Abusers may minimize their partner’s feelings and can show jealousy, suspicion, and anger, even if it’s unwarranted.

Types of Abuse

Other signs of domestic abuse include someone trying to control their partner’s time. They may monitor activities like attending classes or seeing friends and family. An abuser may isolate their partner by limiting phone use or forcing their partner to stay at home. They may also become financially abusive by controlling funds, including making financial decisions alone or taking their partner’s money without permission to control the person or to be punitive. Stalking or repeated unwanted attention or contact that triggers fear or worry about safety or the safety of others who are close to the survivor is also another form of abuse. It’s essential to keep in mind that abuse does not need to have multiple occurrences or be carried out over years to be considered domestic violence or IPV. According to experts, even one episode can have profound impacts and should not be overlooked.

Effects of Intimate Partner Violence

The effects of IPV can be severe, chronic, and pervasive. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 20% of IPV survivors develop mental health conditions. A recent study found that almost 60% of the participants experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A similar study found that IPV survivors had higher prevalence rates of depression compared with non-IPV survivors (2.25% vs. 0.43%) and higher prevalence rates of anxiety disorders compared with non-IPV survivors (1.37% vs. 0.54%). Individuals dealing with diagnoses such as these may experience being withdrawn, feelings of hypervigilance, loss of appetite, and suicidal ideation. Other effects can include shutting people out, not wanting to do things that were once enjoyable, being unable to trust others, and having low self-esteem. Physical symptoms are also common and can include:

• Heart / cardiovascular issues
• Gastrointestinal/digestive issues
• Chronic pain
• Sexual/reproductive issues
• Symptoms of pulmonary or musculoskeletal conditions
• Traumatic brain injury

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

Survivors may also struggle with emotional regulation, dissociation, and numbing and have trouble reading social cues. In some cases, survivors may develop an addiction to substances such as alcohol or drugs. Many women who have experienced violence cope with the associated trauma by using drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking, or overeating. Research shows that about 90% of women with substance use problems have experienced physical or sexual violence. Researchers have also found that mental health outcomes of domestic violence can become a vicious cycle. Survivors can believe they are powerless to control violent behavior or to develop resources to change their situation. This can potentially set up a long-term pattern of violent partnerships. The American Psychiatric Association states that survivors of domestic violence may blame themselves for the abuse they received. Similarly, victim blaming by others is also common and can perpetuate IPV. Victim blaming is considered to be any response to IPV that explicitly states or implies that the survivor is to blame for the abuse they have experienced.

Conclusion

Experts caution women to be aware of the signs of IPV and attempt to act as quickly as possible to separate themselves from their partner and the relationship if they find they are in an abusive relationship. Because it may be difficult for some to pull themselves out of the cycle of abuse, drawing from family and friends for support to help transition out of the relationship can be especially helpful. In-person and online support groups can also be beneficial in identifying a plan to leave the relationship and to provide overall support and resources with various needs such as housing, mental health counseling, and seeking medical attention.

FAQs

Q: What is intimate partner violence (IPV)?
A: Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to those in the relationship.
Q: What are the signs of domestic violence?
A: Common signs of domestic violence include physical aggression, verbal and emotional abuse, unpredictable moods, and controlling behavior.
Q: How common is IPV?
A: According to the Emory University School of Medicine, women are 5 to 8 times more likely than men to be victimized by an intimate partner, and every year, nearly 5.3 million incidents of intimate partner violence occur among U.S. women aged 18 and older.
Q: What are the effects of IPV?
A: The effects of IPV can be severe, chronic, and pervasive, including mental health conditions, physical symptoms, and substance abuse.
Q: How can I get help if I am in an abusive relationship?
A: If you are in an abusive relationship, it is essential to seek help as soon as possible. You can reach out to family and friends for support, join in-person or online support groups, and seek resources such as housing, mental health counseling, and medical attention.