Definition of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that one person uses to control another person in an intimate relationship. Abuse can be violent behaviors such as hitting, punching and slapping, but it doesn’t have to be physical. It can include verbal and emotional abuse. It can also involve sexual assault. It can happen to anyone, at any age, no matter what race or religion they are, no matter what their level of education or economic background.