When abuse is used to establish control and fear in a relationship, its called domestic violence. This can happen in many ways. It can taken place through physical, emotional or sexual means.
Abuse can happen occasionally or often, but control is the primary reason behind domestic violence.
The overwhelming majority of victims are women who are battered by their husbands or boyfriends. There are times, however, when women are the abusers. This violence also happens in gay and lesbian relationships. It occurs across all racial and socioeconomic groups. Domestic violence is serious.