What is Domestic Violence?

The National Domestic Violence Hotline defines domestic violence as, “a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship” (NDVC 2020). Domestic violence is unlike other social issues in that it is not based on race or economic status, but on power struggles and gender roles. Anyone can be affected by or affect others with domestic violence. It can happen at any stage of an intimate relationship, whether that be dating, engagement, or marriage. Domestic violence can be either physical or sexual, or both. Both physical and sexual violence can occur at the same time, they do not have to be separate acts