“Intimate partner violence” (IPV) can occur among current and formers spouses as well as dating partners. IPV affects millions of people in the U.S. every year and causes damage ranging from missed work days and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to substance abuse and heart problems. According to the CDC’s definition, IPV is abuse or aggression that occurs in a romantic relationship; it can vary in severity and frequency. Even one episode of IPV counts. IPV can include the following:

·      Physical violence. A person hurts or tries to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using another type of physical force.

·      Sexual violence. A person forces or attempts to force a partner to take part in a sex act, sexual touching, sexual humiliation, or a non-physical sexual event (like sexting) when the partner does not or cannot consent.

·      Stalking. A person inflicts repeated, unwanted contact and/or attention on a partner; these intrusions harass and frighten the victim and can also raise safety concerns for someone close to them.

·      Psychological aggression. A person uses verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to harm a partner mentally or emotionally and/or to exert control over a partner. Emotional abuse can also be a precursor to physical violence.

Not surprisingly, a bad marriage or the threat of divorce can ratchet up gaslighting. If you’ve sensed your spouse is gaslighting you, you’re not alone. Here are some forms gaslighting can take.