What Is Domestic Violence?

a definition of domestic violence

Domestic Violence is a pattern of coercive behavior that is used by a person against family or household members or dating partners to gain power or control over the other party in a relationship.  This behavior may include any of the following:  physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse and threats, stalking, isolation from friends and family, economic control, destruction of personal property and animal cruelty.  Domestic violence occurs between of all racial, economic, educational and religious backgrounds.  It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships, between married and unmarried partners, between current and former partners and between other family and household members.

Domestic Violence affects every community across the country, regardless of ethnic group, culture, or background. People of all ages, income levels, faiths, sexual orientation, gender, and education levels experience domestic violence.

Domestic violence isolates the person being abused and can rob inner strength, feelings of self-worth and the ability to make personal choices. Often people experiencing abuse begin to feel responsible for the abuse.

Domestic Violence is not a private matter, a family problem, a domestic "squabble" or a "fight." It is not a momentary loss of temper or the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Abusers choose to use tactics of violence repeatedly to gain power and control.

Exposure to domestic violence traumatizes children and can destroy their ability to feel safe in the world as well as cause them to feel responsible for the abuse.

Physical and sexual violence against a family member or intimate partner is a crime and perpetrators can be arrested and prosecuted.

Ending domestic violence requires a social, political, and economic environment to ensure that all people affected by domestic abuse and violence are supported and batterers are held accountable. Everyone must be part of the solution.