What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is violence that takes place in close relationships. Domestic violence is a broader concept than family or intimate partner violence because it also includes other close relationships.

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Violence differs from a disagreement or conflict situation, which usually involves two relatively equal and active parties. In contrast, violence is characterized by an imbalanced power dynamic, where one party is in a subordinate position for one reason or another and experiences fear and insecurity. Challenging interaction relationships may sometimes also include mutual violence.

The perpetrator of violence can be any family member, including a child. Intimate partner or domestic violence can also occur in other kinship and friendship relationships. A characteristic feature of domestic violence is its intentional and repetitive nature, meaning it is usually not a one-time act.
Violence may manifest, for example, as actions that involve:

  • physically harming or violating another person
  • subjugation, ridicule, belittling, control, or threats
  • sexually degrading or coercive behavior
  • stalking, invasion of privacy, harassment
  • economic control and exploitation
  • forcing religion or culture upon someone or using them to justify violence
  • abuse and neglect, meaning actions or omissions that endanger health, well-being, or safety
  • social exclusion and isolation
  • honour-based violence
  • female genital mutilation
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