Conceptualising intimate partner sexual violence: Danger and harm to victim-survivors and the role of persistent myths

Sexual violence is a global problem and most commonly it is perpetrated within a current or former intimate relationship. Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is not well understood and more insight is required to adequately assist victim-survivors affected by this crime. It is concerning that the common misconception of perpetrators being strangers still persists. This chapter will expand on existing knowledge about victims of IPSV. It draws from a larger feminist-informed Australian study that included in -depth interviews with women who self-identified as victim-survivors of IPSV and integrates current knowledge to better explain and understand this phenomenon. First person narratives will provide insight into personal experiences of victimised women. They illustrate the complex interplay of IPSV with women's struggle to resist. Future directions will be discussed including challenging persistent myths that need to be addressed along with intervention and prevention recommendations.