Family violence is when someone behaves abusively towards a family member (ie a partner, a sibling, a parent, a child, a relative).
Family violence is not an one-off argument. It is a continuous pattern of abusive behaviour that controls or dominates a person and causes them to fear for their own safety and wellbeing.
Abusive behaviour can be physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, social, economic, psychological and spiritual.
Types of Abusive Behaviours
Anyone can experience family violence. It is a widespread social problem that affects people from all walks of life regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic status.
However, the most common form of family violence is perpetrated by males against their female partners (current or former). This is known as intimate partner violence.
Hence the reason why any discussion on family violence leads to a discussion on Violence Against Women.
Further Reading: