In this symposium, we invite international family scholars and therapists to speak about intimate partner violence (IPV) in a global context. The papers invited to be a part of this symposium highlight the current state of IPV prevention and intervention efforts in Colombia, Iran, Russia, China, India, and the U.S. Topics that are covered include the current rates of IPV in each country, growth areas and challenges regarding IPV prevention and intervention, including legal issues, cultural and social contexts and their relation to IPV in each country. Through examining IPV through the perspectives of different countries, we can gain a more robust and systemic perspective on the global phenomenon of IPV. Family therapists throughout the world treat clients who have experienced violence in a current or previous relationship, and the goal of this symposium is to examine how larger social, cultural, and global factors impact the lives of the individuals we may serve or advocate for.

Objectives

(1) To understand similarities and differences among countries around the globe in how they respond to IPV and what still needs to be done to reduce instances of IPV and protect victims. (2) To demonstrate the importance of examining the cultural and social contexts that may contribute to further IPV victimization and perpetration. (3) To aid family therapists in recognizing cultural and social factors that may influence their work with individuals or couples who have experienced current or previous IPV throughout the world.