Domestic Violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another.

It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats and emotional/ psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically.

Domestic Violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of control and dominance.

Domestic Violence is often more than an isolated incident. It is a recurring cycle of violence that often increases in severity over time.