Boundaries between psychological intimate partner violence and dysfunctional relationships: psychological and forensic implications

The main purpose of this paper is to point out the differences between psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) as usual strategy and relational process and a dysfunctional relationship in which partners do not know how to deal with everyday problems or how to negotiate the breakup process and manage the negative emotional states. In this paper behavior patterns of the psychologically violent intimate relationship are outlined and psychological consequences for victims are described. Both of them are useful for distinguishing a psychological IPV from a dysfunctional relationship without systematic violent behaviors. This differentiation is very relevant in order to deal with the problem in an adequate way. Some couples can misinterpret a dysfunctional relationship as intimate partner violence. Implications for forensic practice are very different in each case. Suggestions for good practice in this field are commented on.