Introduction

This volume addresses intimate partner violence, risk and security as global issues. Although intimate partner violence (IPV), risk and security are intimately connected, they are rarely considered in tandem in the context of global security. Yet, IPV (abusive behaviour by a person within an intimate relationship including current or past marriages, domestic partnerships, or de facto relationships) causes widespread physical, sexual, financial and/or psychological harm. It is the most common type of violence against women internationally and the most common type of family violence (see, for example, World Health Organization 2010). It is estimated to affect 30 per cent of women worldwide (World Health Organization 2013). IPV has received significant attention in recent years, animating political debate, policy and law reform as well as scholarly attention (Sparks and Gruelle 2016; Hattery 2009; Finkel and Christopher 2013). Women and children from some communities can be affected disproportionately, particularly those with a disability and those from Indigenous communities in settler countries (AIHW 2006; Brownridge 2006; Chan and Payne 2013). Importantly, research has consistently shown that IPV is a crime not exclusive to any one country, culture or socio-economic group. It is, however, a gendered form of violence, and is consistently linked to gender inequality. One study across 44 countries found that factors relating to gender inequality predicted the prevalence of IPV (Heise and Kotsadam 2015). Similarly, a United Nations (United Nations Women 2011) review found significantly higher rates of violence against women in countries where women’s economic, social and political rights are inadequately protected. Even in countries that enjoy relatively high levels of gender equality such as Sweden, gendered violence, IPV and homicides persist (Fundamental Rights Agency 2014).