Intimate partner violence (IPV) happens when someone uses harmful behaviours to control, hurt, or scare a partner in a romantic, dating, or sexual relationship.
Intimate partner violence can happen in both past and current relationships, and to people of any gender or sexuality.
IPV can look like:
- Physical harm – hitting, pushing, restraining
- Sexual harm – pressuring or forcing sex without consent
- Emotional abuse – insults, threats, manipulation, deception/distortion or isolation
- Financial control – taking or limiting access to money
- Digital abuse – monitoring devices, online harassment, or using technology to control someone
At its core, IPV is about power and control, not healthy conflict. Everyone deserves relationships that are safe, respectful, and equal.
Te Whare Tāwharau is the University's dedicated Sexual Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Support and Prevention Centre. We are the central hub for survivor support, offering confidential, survivor-led services that are independent of the formal complaints process.
Understanding intimate partner violence and support services
Healthy relationships
A healthy relationship is built on respect, trust and choice – where both partners feel safe and supported.
Coercive control
Coercive control means using ongoing behaviours to make a partner feel trapped in a relationship.
Support available at Otago
Find out how the University can support students and staff experiencing intimate partner violence.
Conflict or stress within relationships
We can offer support if you are experiencing conflict or stress within a relationship.