What does domestic violence encompass?

Domestic violence encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors directed at family members, which includes both physical and verbal abuse. This broad definition acknowledges that abuse can manifest in different forms, such as physical violence, emotional manipulation, psychological abuse, and verbal attacks. Recognizing domestic violence as including any type of harmful behavior toward family members allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of abusive relationships. This perspective emphasizes the seriousness of emotional and verbal forms of abuse, which can be just as damaging as physical violence, contributing to a cycle of fear and control in a domestic setting. The inclusion of all these forms of abuse in the definition of domestic violence is essential for effective prevention, intervention, and support for victims.