And many incidents of domestic violence are never reported at all. The Basics Domestic violence isn t just physical. It also covers the threats, emotional abuse, harassment and stalking that a spouse, partner or date use to control someone else s behavior. The abuse frequently occurs in predictable patterns as part of a cycle of violence in which the behavior escalates, erupts and then mellows into apologies. It can be directed against anyone, from children to current and former partners, roommates, even parents.
Research reveals that domestic abuse crosses all racial, ethnic, religious and economic lines.
It also occurs in same-sex relationships. Although both men and women can be victims of domestic violence, an estimated 90 percent to 95 percent of domestic violence victims are women, says the Department of Justice. Women who are 16 to 24 are most at risk. Studies also show that women face the greatest danger immediately after they leave an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is a crime in all 50 states.