Definition of Domestic Violenc
(New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence )

A pattern of coercive behavior that is used by one person to gain power and control over another, which may include physical violence, sexual, emotional and psychological intimidation, verbal abuse, stalking, and economic control.

source: Family Violence Prevention Fund. Model Policy on Domestic Violence in the Workplace.

Domestic Violence can take different forms either in patterns of controlling behavior and/or illegal behavior, but its goal is always the same: Abusers want to control their domestic partners through fear. They do this by regularly abusing them physically, sexually, psychologically and economically.

Most abusers exhibit a behavior pattern that is called a cycle of violence.

The Cycle of Violence has three phases.