Intimate Partner Violence: Prevalence and factors

Françoise Delmez and Ilan Tojerow

No 26.04, Dulbea Policy Brief from ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles

Abstract: This policy brief, the first in a three-part series on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), reviews prevalence rates and risk factorsfor IPV victimisation and perpetration, with a focus on Belgium set against the European context. Drawing on EU-leveland Belgian survey data, it shows that around 15% of ever-partnered women in Belgium report lifetime physical violence,30% psychological violence, and 8% sexual violence from a current or former partner, with substantially lower rates ofofficial reporting to police than of self-reported victimisation. The brief then synthesises the scientific literature on thedeterminants of IPV, distinguishing between lifetime risk factors (adverse childhood experiences, mental health, poverty,and cultural norms including « male backlash »), factors shaping the frequency and severity of violence (age, relationshipand separation status, presence of children), and situational triggers (alcohol use, job loss, unwanted pregnancy). Itconcludes by highlighting the absence of systematic Belgian data linking IPV to health and legal outcomes, a gap that limitsthe design of policies targeting victims with intersecting needs.

Date: 2026-09
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