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It is domestic violence because it takes place in the ‘home’ in the broadest sense of the word. It may not take place actually within the walls of where a women lives (although it most often does), but the perpetrator is a man known to her and in a close relationship with her. Usually it will be her partner – her husband or boyfriend (live-in or not), but it could be her father, stepfather, brother, son, or lodger.
There are a number of different definitions of domestic violence, many of which use the term ‘Abuse’ rather than ‘Violence’. The reason for this is that it is felt that ‘abuse’ more widely captures the range of behaviours which are used within intimate relationships as forms of power and control, which are often not just physical. Victims have also stated that the term abuse is more appropriate in representing their experience, and that the word ‘violence’ may prevent someone from seeking help because they have been abused in ways which do not necessarily include physical violence. On the other hand, it is also argued that ‘Violence’ is the most appropriate term because it describes the ‘violation’ of what is seen as an intimate and trusting relationship, and that the exertion of power and control in any form is a kind of violence.
Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence is a complex form of power and control within a relationship, and neither term can adequately capture the ways in which control is often exerted, nor the experience of being a victim or a survivor. Different agencies will use definitions which help clarify their views and aims. The important thing to bear in mind is not so much how to define domestic violence/abuse, but that it is about the exertion of power and control in a very wide range of forms.
Women’s Aid Federation of England, 2006 states
'Domestic violence is physical, sexual, psychological or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include forced marriage and so-called ‘honour crimes’. Domestic violence may, and often does, include a range of abusive behaviours, not all of which are, in themselves, inherently “violent”. Crime statistics and research both show that domestic violence is gender specific (i.e. most commonly experienced by women and perpetrated by men) and that any woman can experience domestic violence regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, disability or lifestyle. Domestic violence is repetitive, life-threatening, and can destroy the lives of women and children.'
Domestic violence is defined by the Home Office as
"any violence between current and former partners in an intimate relationship, wherever the violence occurs. The violence may include physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse." Domestic violence occurs across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.
Some Government agencies and parts of the voluntary sector use slightly different definitions to fit their particular needs. For example, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) definition includes other family members as well as partners; and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) definition includes any criminal offence arising out of physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse between current or former partners or family members.
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