Domestic violence
Content provided by Healthwise
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behavior in which one person uses fear and intimidation to gain power and control over a partner or family member. It can take many forms, including physical battering, emotional abuse, economic abuse, or sexual abuse, and can also involve children, threats, intimidation, and isolation.
Domestic violence is also called intimate partner abuse, family violence, same-sex abuse, battering, elder abuse, and teen relationship abuse.
While domestic violence can affect men, the large majority of its victims are women. Domestic violence often has devastating physical and emotional consequences for those abused and their children.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention |
| Last Updated | March 20, 2008 |
| Last updated: | March 20, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
