Domestic violence

Domestic violence refers to violence that occurs at the hands of someone close to a person. Violence can take many different forms and may last for a short time or for decades. The person committing the violence may be, for example, someone you are dating, a partner, an ex-partner, a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, or one’s own child. In many cultures, the concept of family is broad, meaning that a close person may also be a cousin, aunt, or uncle. Friends are often excluded from the definition of close relationships, even when they may be the closest relationship a person has.

Other terms that are used include intimate partner violence and family violence. Violence in close relationships occurs in all kinds of families and relationships, including polyamorous relationships, heterosexual relationships, and LGBTQI+ relationships.

Domestic violence has both physical and psychological effects on individuals and families. Some of the effects are short-term, while others are long-lasting and may even span generations.

It is often difficult to talk about domestic violence, but doing so is necessary in order to change the situation. Everyone has the right to receive help and to recover from violence in close relationships.