Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses a range of abusive behaviors occurring between current or former romantic partners, which includes spouses, ex-spouses, dating partners, and even cohabiting individuals. This definition highlights that the term 'intimate partner' is not limited to those who are currently married or who live together; it also extends to individuals who have had a romantic or intimate relationship in the past.

Recognizing current or former romantic partners as potential perpetrators allows for a comprehensive understanding of IPV, emphasizing that abusive dynamics can arise in various types of intimate relationships, including situations where partners may not cohabitate or be married. This broader definition is crucial for the identification of risk factors and for creating effective interventions and support systems.

In contrast, the other options improperly narrow the scope of who can be involved in IPV. By restricting the definition to only spouses, or to family members, one might overlook many cases where violence occurs in dating relationships or previous partnerships. Furthermore, identifying primarily strangers as perpetrators overlooks the critical fact that most IPV incidents happen between people who are or have been in a close relationship, making the definition of intimate partners pivotal in discussions around prevention and reporting of such violence.