This study is focused on IPV that includes physical, psychological, sexual, economic violence.

We used PsycINFO. We found several self-report measures that could be used in assessing violent couples as CTS and SES. We found several theoretical perspectives that could examine what factors are significant in the etiology and development of IPV. The ecological model explained IPV caused by individual, relationship, community, societal factors.

IPV occurs in all countries, irrespective of social, economic, religious or cultural group. IPV isn’t a problem because men can be violent. Victims are usually women. There are myths and stereotypes about violence in couples. There are several characteristics in violent couples: issues of gender and power inequity, lower communication skills, dependency on abusive partner, history of family violence, alcohol consumption, depression or other disorders. IPV occurs also in healthy people. IPV has been linked to many immediate and long-term health outcomes as gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain syndromes, depression and suicidal behaviour. IPV affects reproductive health and can lead to gynaecological disorders: unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

IPV is among the leading causes of death worldwide for people aged 15-44 years. Understanding the risk factors for development of violence is essential toward the development of interventions to reduce partner violence. It needs to develop laws regarding partner violence. It needs to work with couples controlling abusive behaviour, training in communication problem-solving skills to help couples end the violence and training treatment programmes for perpetrators, sexual education and self-help groups.