This article presents the results of a survey into the prevalence in Australia of intimate partner violence, each intimate partner violence type, and multitype intimate partner violence, overall and by gender, age group and sexual orientation.

Intimate partner violence is a public health problem with implications for clinical practice and public policy. Improved prevention is needed in the areas of health care, welfare and justice.

A comprehensive national prevention policy is needed, and clinicians should be helped with recognising and responding to intimate partner violence.

Key findings

• Intimate partner violence is widespread in Australia.
• Women are significantly more likely than men to experience any intimate partner violence, each type of violence, and multitype intimate partner violence.
• More non-heterosexual people reported intimate partner violence than heterosexual people.
• National intimate partner violence prevention strategies have not yet achieved their objectives.