Domestic violence
Published on August 21, 2025 · 2 min read
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one person in a relationship to control or harm another. It can occur between spouses, intimate partners, family members, or people living in the same household. While often associated with physical violence, domestic violence includes emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. It is both a personal trauma and a legal matter, with serious consequences for victims and perpetrators.
Forms of abuse
Physical abuse: Hitting, slapping, choking, or using weapons.
Emotional abuse: Threats, insults, manipulation, and controlling behavior.
Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or coercion.
Financial abuse: Controlling a person’s access to money or employment.
Psychological abuse: Intimidation, isolation, or gaslighting to cause fear and dependency.
Key elements of domestic violence
Who Can Be Affected: Domestic violence can impact anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, or socioeconomic background. It occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships and can affect children, roommates, or elders in a household.
Warning Signs: Victims may show signs such as fear of their partner, frequent unexplained injuries, isolation from friends or family, or sudden changes in behavior or finances.
Legal Protections: Victims of domestic violence can seek restraining or protective orders, emergency shelter, and legal help. Law enforcement may arrest the abuser even without the victim’s cooperation if there’s clear evidence of harm.
Impact on Children: Children exposed to domestic violence may suffer emotional, developmental, and behavioral issues, even if they are not directly abused.
Criminal vs. Civil Action: Domestic violence can lead to criminal charges, but victims may also pursue civil remedies like protective orders or custody modifications to ensure safety.
Legal and safety resources
Every U.S. state has specific laws defining domestic violence and outlining legal protections. In many cases, victims do not come forward immediately due to fear, emotional attachment, or financial dependency. Support systems like shelters, hotlines, and legal aid play a vital role in helping survivors regain safety and independence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, immediate help is available. In the U.S., call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
