What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a situation of domination inside a relationship, where one partner abuse the other one. It's not a "fight" where both partners get angry and violent, it's a situation of clear inegality between them. Domestic violence may involve : - psychological violence (jalousy, control the partner's movements, restraining them from having friends or from seeing people without being there, isolation (from family too), having influence and a grip on the partner...) - verbal violence (insult, humiliation, depreciation, constant critics etc...) - physical violence (throwing object, kicking, slapping, hitting...) - sexual violence (rape etc) - economic/financial violence (control of the financial situation of the partner, like their bank account, credit card, restraining them from having / getting a job, control of their money, material privation...) - administrative violence (confiscation of their papers like ID, passport, driving licence, credit card etc) Most of the time, it works in circle : violence raise, then explode, then it's the "honey moon" ; the abusive partner gets all nice and caring to confuse the abused one, then the violence raise again, etc...

According to Psychology Today, "Domestic violence can be physical or psychological, and it can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. And while every relationship is different, domestic violence typically involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways.Insults, threats, emotional abuse and sexual coercion all constitute domestic violence. Some perpetrators may even use children, pets, or other family members as emotional leverage to get their victim to do what they want. Victims of domestic violence experience diminished self-worth, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of helplessness that can take time and often professional help to overcome."