Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior, which can involve any act of physical, sexual, economic, emotional, intimidation, terror and psychological abuse, deliberately against a partner, spouse or child.  Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.

There are many misconceptions about domestic violence, like, it is a problem primarily of the lower classes and the poor or that only women are victims.

In many cases, physical abuse begins as domestic abuse; that is, the person may begin by using intimidation tactics, verbal abuse and other methods of scaring the victim into complying with their demands without ever physically assaulting the person.  In their minds, this is not considered "domestic violence" because they are not actually laying their hands on the victim.  Verbal or emotional abuse is just as devastating as physical abuse and often escalates to physical abuse if it is not stopped.

It is important to keep in mind that abuse is not a result of the abuser losing control of himself or herself, out of anger.  Abusers are trying to dominate and control their victims.  The reason why we know that abusers are not losing control when they abuse their victim is because, abusers are very specific in who they abuse.  They do not lose control with friends, co-workers or strangers.  When it is to their advantage they can stop battering, such as: when the police arrive or a relative or neighbor shows up to intervene.  The abuser is usually selective about where he or she punches or kicks, in order to hide the evidence of the assault.  An enraged or out of control attacker could not control where the blows land.

For more information on what domestic violence is go to "recognizing the signs of an abuser" page.