Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling and aggressive behaviours from one adult, usually a man, towards another, usually a woman, within the context of an intimate relationship. - It can be physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse. Financial abuse and social isolation are also common features.
- The violence and abuse can be actual or threatened and can happen once every so often or on a regular basis.
- It can happen to anyone, and in all kinds of relationships - heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). People suffer domestic violence regardless of their social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or lifestyle. The abuse can begin at any time - in new relationships or after many years spent together.
- Children are affected by domestic violence both in the short and the long term.
- Less frequently but still wholly unacceptable, men are abused by their partners, both male and female. (See Men as victims for more details).
- All forms of abuse - psychological, economic, emotional and physical - come from the abuser’s desire for power and control.
If you're experiencing domestic violence have a look at If domestic violence is happening to you for help and support. If you're a young adult in this situation, see One life. Back to What is domestic violence?
This article was last reviewed by Catherine Orr Deas in December 2005.
First published in February 2003.
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