Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (DV) is not an isolated event but is a pattern of a variety of abusive acts occurring over the course of a relationship. Although not all components of DV are criminal, they all interact with each other and can have profound physical and emotional effects on the victim. Both men and women can be victims of DV. However, it is widely acknowledged that women are the majority of persons affected by this type of violence. It may also be referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse, or relationship abuse.

DV can appear as, or in combination with, any of the following abusive behaviours:

• Physical abuse – Any unnecessary or unwanted physical contact caused by another person resulting in bodily harm, discomfort, and/or injury.
• Sexual abuse – Any unwanted act of a sexual nature that is imposed on another person whether physical, verbal, or non-contact.
• Emotional/psychological abuse – Any act that induces fear, diminishes the individual’s dignity or self-worth and/or that traumatizes another person. This can appear as threats, isolation, manipulation, or even the silent treatment.
• Verbal abuse – The use of negative comments or language that is embarrassing, offensive, threatening and/or degrading to the victim.
• Financial abuse – Any behaviour that reduces or eliminates an individual’s financial independence and/or financial decision making. The abuser may control or withhold money or prevent the victim from obtaining a job or source of income.
• Spiritual abuse – Any tactics that exert power and control over an individual’s spirituality and religious orientation. Preventing the victim from practicing their beliefs, forcing them to practice a religion they do not believe in, or insulting them based on their beliefs are some forms of spiritual abuse.