What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence crimes are about power, control, domination and fear. When one person exhibits a pattern of attempting to gain power and control over someone they have or had a relationship with, by using physical and sexual violence, threats, emotional abuse, financial control, legal status, harassment, or stalking, he/she is committing domestic violence. These control factors are also used to alienate victims from their family, friends, and co-workers, providing the victim no feasible support system to leave the relationship. (Domestic violence is also known as partner abuse and spousal abuse.)