This is rather defined as an act of violence. To be considered abuse, there is typically a history of such attacks. While there may be lulls in these attacks, to be considered physical abuse, there is a definite pattern of consistency. Over time, abusers consistently use this form of coercion against their victims. We can further define this type of abuse by the victims.
Physical abuse is considered domestic violence when both the perpetrator and victim are adults.
This type of abuse is also not selective. Domestic violence can occur in any type of relationship where two adults are involved. 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.