Abusive behaviors can occur between anyone. Abuse is often the result of misdirected or inappropriate emotion or sexual energy.
Domestic violence is when abuse occurs in relationships between two or more intimates.
In bdsm relationships, the lines between what is abuse and what is not are often confusing since there is very little education or support in mainstream society. Outsiders tend to label all of our activities and practices as insane, violent or abusive no matter how highly skilled we become at them or how long we have mentored or studied our techniques or craft. Abusive bdsm is when one person harms or misuses another, with the intent to control in non-consensual ways. This misuse of power harms the well-being of the victim. Many people believe it can only happen to submissives or novices.