Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one person in a close relationship to gain or maintain power and control over another. It can occur in any intimate relationship, including married, dating, cohabiting, or former partners, and affects people regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status

. Domestic violence includes various forms of abuse:

• Physical abuse: hitting, slapping, or other physical harm
• Sexual abuse: any non-consensual sexual act
• Emotional and psychological abuse: intimidation, humiliation, manipulation, threats, isolation, and coercive control
• Economic abuse: controlling finances or restricting access to money
• Technological abuse: stalking, monitoring, or harassing through digital means
• Verbal abuse and threats

It often involves a power imbalance where the abuser exerts control over the victim through fear and intimidation. Domestic violence not only harms the direct victim but also affects family members, friends, and the wider community. Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of social and physical problems and may perpetuate the cycle of abuse in the future

. Domestic violence is a crime and can be reported to authorities for intervention and protection. Victims may face barriers to reporting, such as fear, shame, or financial dependency

. In summary, domestic violence is a serious and complex pattern of abusive behaviors within close relationships aimed at controlling and harming another person physically, emotionally, sexually, economically, or psychologically