Domestic violence occurs when a person consistently aims to control their partner through physical, sexual , or emotional abuse . The United States Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner.”
What Is Domestic Violence? (Plain Language Explanation)
Domestic Violence refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Domestic Violence
- Symptoms: The specific ways domestic violence shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen domestic violence
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When domestic violence occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence is far more common than most people realize
- Domestic Violence is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with domestic violence see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about domestic violence is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing domestic violence, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.