What is the definition of domestic violence?

In Pennsylvania, domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, is defined as a pattern of behavior in which one partner attempts to gain or maintain power and control over their intimate partner. This type of behavior can include physical, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse. Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force to threaten or cause injury. This includes hitting, slapping, shoving, pushing, biting, pulling hair, strangling, and using weapons against an intimate partner. Emotional abuse is also known as psychological abuse. This is a pattern of behaviors that involve degradation, criticism, and humiliation in an effort to control the victim. This type of abuse can include verbal assaults, name-calling, belittling, isolation, intimidation, verbal threats, threats to harm oneself or the victim, and excessive possessiveness. Economic abuse is the use of economic control to gain power and control over an intimate partner. This includes preventing the victim from obtaining or keeping a job, controlling finances, denying access to bank accounts, or taking the victim’s money or possessions. Sexual abuse is any type of unwanted sexual contact, including rape, attempted rape, or coercing someone into sexual acts. Sexual abuse also includes inappropriate touching, sexualized insults, and the abuser insisting on sexual activity even when the victim has said no. The definition of domestic violence is an important one to understand. If you are experiencing any form of domestic violence, it is important to get help from a victim’s advocate or other support system.

What is the definition of domestic violence?

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