Domestic violence is the deliberate pattern of abusive behaviors used by one person to maintain power and control over another within the context of a household, intimate partner, or familial relationship. Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse; threats; intimidation; harassment; isolation; manipulation; and/or coercion.

Power and Control in an abusive relationship is the intentional and systematic use of threats, intimidation, coercion, or violence to instill fear and dominance over another individual.