This can occur in heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual relationships. Close friends whose relationship is unstable can also qualify under domestic violence. The premise of this type of abuse is power and control, and anger. Abusers are unable to express their emotions, typically anger, and thus resort to brute force to get their way. The goal is to get the victim to submit to the perpetrator.
Abusers seek out control over others.
They are incapable of accepting the equality that is necessary for a healthy relationship with another person. They must always have the upper hand and will resort to physical abuse to ensure that their message is clear. What you think is nothing. Their goal is to avoid feeling vulnerable. A healthy relationship requires equity in giving and receiving.