Intimate partner sexual violence, also called IPSV, is any sexual assault in an intimate relationship. IPSV could include marital rape and any other kind of sexual violence in the current or past intimate relationship, whether those partners are legally wed or not. If you refused a sexual act and were forced against your will, that’s sexual violence or abuse.
IPSV can be confusing, especially if you love that person. Your partner may manipulate you to feel that you are getting what you deserve, it’s your mistake, or you like it though you aren’t showing it. You can try to give a good reason for everything to yourself afterward or blame yourself.
IPSV involves the following:
- Coerced vagina anal or oral intercourse
- Violent sex, which involves physical abuse before, during, and after sex
- Using coercion and threats to get sex or sexual acts
- Humiliating a woman’s sexual preferences or sexuality
- Not respecting the sexual or physical privacy of a woman.
- Forcing a partner to have sex with another person, to take part in group sex, or having sex in front of children
- Being forced to touch or unwanted sexual touching
- Making humiliating sexual mocks
- Forced to watch pornography
- Forced prostitution
- Forced to allow naked sexual videos or photographs
- Using sex as a prove of faithfulness
- Withholding love and affection when sexual demands aren’t met
When IPSV is present in a relationship, sexual violence becomes a weapon to control and gain power over a partner.
In many instances, Intimate partner sexual violence does not take place alone. It commonly takes place with other kinds of violent behavior. A sexually abusive partner is most likely to be abusive in many ways, including emotional and physical abuse. For example, many women physically abused by an intimate partner have been assaulted sexually by that same partner.
An intimate, sexually violent partner;
- Cuts her off from friends
- Restricts her from speaking with family members
- Insists on knowing her whereabouts all the time
- Ignores or treats her uncaringly
- Gets annoyed if she talks to other men
- Accuses her of being unfaithful often
Who Does Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Affect?
Intimate partner sexual violence can crop up in all intimate relationships, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation. It isn’t defined by sexuality or gender but by violent behavior. However, in most cases, women are the victims and male partners or ex-partners. However, many women going through intimate partner sexual violence often don’t see themselves as abused.
The Consequences Of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
The effects of Intimate partner sexual violence can be pretty severe and long-lasting. Victims might experience various psychological, physical, and social issues, such as:
- Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
- Unplanned pregnancies
- Induced abortions
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Preterm delivery
- Gynecological problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress
Why You Should Reach Out for Help
Surviving intimate partner sexual violence can be a difficult journey for many reasons. You might be worried about your safety and that of your children. This is especially if your partner has constantly threatened to harm you or your children.
You might also be worried about what your family will think or your financial situation. It requires a lot of courage and strength to overcome the trauma. So don’t blame yourself if you cannot walk out quickly.
Ending a violent relationship is something you can’t do alone. Many ways are available to help you find safety and support. Look for any help you can. Seeing a qualified San Antonio sexual assault lawyer can be helpful if you find yourself in this situation.
It is never acceptable to engage in sexual activity without the other party’s consent. Identifying the signs of intimate partner sexual violence is the first step to ending it.
