Intimate Partner Violence Through the Lens of Gender, Finance, and Ethics

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health concern affecting women around the globe. It refers to the detrimental actions that cause harm physically or psychosexually to the partner predominantly women, in an intimate relationship. Regardless of any age, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, women make the most vulnerable group to IPV by virtue of their customary social and demographic characteristics. The traditional and preset societal roles have a direct influence on the development of intimate partner relationships. The predetermined gender roles tend to uphold male privileges and degrade women for subordination. However, a patriarchal society based on male dominance is produced by the socioeconomic and political systems. Financial impediments among women along with the societal subservience further limit their freedom and autonomy, ultimately forcing them to submit to the vices of their male partners. IPV is a serious medico-legal offense which has various ethical implications. Various ethical frameworks establish the connections between IPV and medical ethics and guide the ways to address them. A collaborative and multidisciplinary approach is essential to effectively address the issue of intimate partner violence (IPV), which is prevalent in both developing and developed countries. The chapter explains IPV in association to the gender roles, power disparities, financial insecurities, and biomedical ethics and outlines the key recommendations for mitigation.