What is DV?

Domestic violence (battering) is a pattern of abusive and coercive behavior used to gain dominance, power, and control over an intimate partner. It includes the use of illegal and legal behaviors and tactics that undermine the victim’s sense of self, free will, and safety. Battering behavior can impact other family members and can be used in other family relationships. Domestic violence crosses all class, race, lifestyle, and religious lines. The only clear distinction is gender. Most victims of domestic violence are women, and most perpetrators of domestic violence are men. According to the National Institute of Justice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, women are at significantly greater risk of domestic violence than men. Many academic leaders have identified domestic violence as a major criminal justice, health care, and social issue.

Signs of Domestic Violence Perpetrators of domestic violence (batterers) use a combination of the following tactics to gain and maintain dominance, power, and control over the victim. Batterers choose the circumstances of their violence, including the amount of injury inflicted by their acts. Batterers bear sole responsibility for their actions.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior characterized by the intent to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner or other family members. - Learn More
Most relationships have difficult times, and almost every couple argues now and then. But violence is different from common marital or relationship problems.
Common myths and why they are wrong
Child abuse can broadly be defined as an act—or failure to act—that results in a child's serious harm or risk of harm, including physical or emotional harm, exploitation or death. Neglect occurs when a caretaker fails to provide for a child's basic needs.
Domestic violence is a devastating social problem that impacts all segments of society and can have a profound impact on children.