Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: A Multidisciplinary Guide to Improving Services and Support for Survivors of Rape and Abuse

Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (IPSV) is the most common type of sexual violence and a common component of domestic violence, yet most cases go unreported and service responses are often inadequate. This book brings together advice for all those professionals working with individuals who have experienced IPSV and puts forward recommendations to tackle this prevalent form of sexual violence. With contributions from leading experts on IPSV, Intimate Partner Sexual Violence is a comprehensive guide to the subject which bridges the gap between research and practice. Multidisciplinary and international in approach, the book covers key issues salient to all professionals - the impact of IPSV, reproductive coercion, the physical and psychological indicators, possible consequences of taking a case to court, and best practice service responses. One section also addresses the risks and needs of IPSV victims in different contexts, such as those in same-sex or teenage relationships, immigrant victims, and those living in rural areas or in prison. This is an authoritative resource for all professionals who work with IPSV victims including counselors, social workers, refuge workers, victim advocates, mental health professionals, pastoral workers, lawyers, police, and health practitioners.

Louise McOrmond-Plummer survived domestic violence which included repeated rape by a man who went on to commit murder. After gaining her freedom, she studied for an Associate Diploma in Welfare Studies (La Trobe University, Victoria) and has devoted 20 years to the study of intimate partner sexual violence, supporting survivors and making resources available for both survivors and professionals. She is co-author with Dr. Patricia Easteal of the book Real Rape, Real Pain: Help for women sexually assaulted by male partners, and runs the IPSV support and educational website Aphrodite Wounded (www.aphroditewounded.org). Patricia Easteal, AM, PhD is a Law Professor at the University of Canberra, Australia. She is an academic, author and advocate who was named the Australian Capital Territory Australian of the Year in 2010. She has published 14 books and well over 130 academic journal articles with a primary focus on access to justice for women. She is currently completing a book with a colleague in the UK looking at violence against women, society and the law. Jennifer Y. Levy-Peck, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist working for a statewide sexual assault coalition in Washington, USA, providing training and developing resources on Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (IPSV). She has worked with trauma survivors and in program development for the past 30 years, including co-founding a domestic violence program. She is the author of an IPSV support group manual and a book, Healing The Harm Done: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child Overcome the Effects of Sexual Abuse. She provides training for national audiences on IPSV and related topics.