This article explores the types, signs, causes, and impact of intimate partner violence.

If you are in immediate danger, call911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Sad Woman With Hands Covering Face Sitting At Home

Gael Vega / EyeEm / Getty Images

This dynamic often confuses victims since they experience times when change seems possible.

Over time, each stage of the cycle becomes shorter," says Renteria.

It can be traumatic to experience and cause long-lasting physical andpsychological damageor even lead to death.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing intimate partner violence.

United Nations.What is domestic abuse?

Li S, Zhao F, Yu G.Childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence victimization: A meta-analysis.Child Abuse Negl.

2019;88:212-224. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.11.012

City Government of Annapolis, Maryland.Myths about domestic violence.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.Types and signs of abuse.

Patra P, Prakash J, Patra B, Khanna P.Intimate partner violence: Wounds are deeper.Indian J Psychiatry.

2020;80:101891. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101891

Nemours Foundation.Abuse.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Emotional and verbal abuse.

Updated February 15, 2021.

Department of Human Services.Domestic violence crisis and prevention.