Violence is a rising issue in the world today and negatively impacts many women’s lives in various ways. Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are two main ways that women are impacted by violence. DV is defined as an act of violence that occurs within the home and can involve parents and children, family members, or roommates, whereas IPV only takes place in romantically involved relationships and individuals may or may not live in the same household (Walker-Descartes et al., 2021). DV and IPV have been found to create barriers for women and men all over the globe. As the prevalence of DV and IPV cases rises, it is important for occupational therapists to consider their role in supporting and screening for women with a history of being a victim of DV or IPV. There is an evident gap in OT involvement in DV and IPV cases, but there is undoubtedly a need for OT in these women's recovery. OT can help women who have experienced DV and IPV gain back their independence, confidence, and sense of self, information about services should be shared within communities. This poster will focus on the impact of DV and IPV in women, the barriers they are obligated to face because of this exposure, and the role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in these cases.
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