Facts and Figures
What Is Domestic Abuse?
The United Nations defines Domestic Abuse (Also called Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Abuse, and Intimate Partner Violence) as a pattern of behavior in any reslationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions, or threats of actions, that influence another person. This includes behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together, or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith, or class. Victims of domestic abuse may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member.
Source: www.un.org