What is Domestic Abuse?

Abuse is any action that violates a line that the victim has asked the abuser not to cross – or a limit that human beings should know that when crossed, opens a door into abusive territory, such as smashing a wife's face into the refrigerator. (Domestic Violence and the Church, John Castle, 2002.)

Domestic violence is any coercive behavior that is used by one adult over another in an intimate relationship. It consists of any type of abuse, which may be one or a combination of any of the following types:

  • Physical (beating)
  • Sexual (rape)
  • Economic (taking her money)
  • Psychological (mind games)