How is domestic violence characterized?

Domestic violence is primarily characterized as abuse within intimate relationships. This encompasses a range of abusive behaviors, including physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, that can occur between current or former partners. The central aspect of domestic violence is the power dynamics and control that one partner seeks to exert over another. It can occur in various forms and does not necessarily have to involve physical violence solely; it can include coercive tactics, threats, and manipulation within the intimate relationship.

While violence occurring between family members might seem relevant, it does not exclusively focus on intimate relationships, which is a key aspect of domestic violence. Crimes against children within the home highlight a significant issue, but they represent a different category of abuse often referred to as child abuse rather than domestic violence as it pertains to adult relationships. Physical altercations in public places fall outside the scope of domestic violence since they do not occur within the context of an intimate relationship. Therefore, focusing on abuse within intimate relationships accurately reflects the primary characteristics of what defines domestic violence.