Definitions and Terminology of Domestic Violence

The following resources provide information on definitions, terminology, and the overall scope of domestic violence.

Child Protection in Families Experiencing Domestic Violence (2nd ed.)

Author(s)	Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau Selleck, Kristen.;Newman, Jeannie.;Gilmore, Debra.
Availability	View Download (PDF - 1,670KB)
Year Published	2018

Research shows that children exposed to domestic violence are at increased risk of being abused or neglected. This manual discusses the intersection of child maltreatment and domestic violence with a focus on child protection practice.

Definitions of Domestic Violence

Series Title	State Statutes
Author(s)	Child Welfare Information Gateway
Availability	View Download (PDF - 585KB)
Year Published	2018

Provides an overview of both civil and criminal definitions of domestic violence. The definition often varies depending on the context in which the term is used. Statutory definitions across the states generally describe specific conduct or acts that are subject to civil and criminal actions, and the specific language used may vary depending on whether the definition is found in the civil or criminal sections of the state's code. Summaries of laws for all states and territories are included.

Defining Child Exposure to Domestic Violence as Neglect: Minnesota's Difficult Experience (PDF - 743 KB)
Edleson, Gassman-Pines, & Hill
Social Work, 51(2), 2006
Discusses the consequences and lessons learned from the Minnesota Legislature's efforts to define child exposure to domestic violence as neglect.

Domestic Violence: Understanding the Basics
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (2012)
Offers an interactive e-learning module that describes the dynamics and common tactics that characterize domestic violence, provides an overview of the scope and impact on individuals and society, explores the underlying factors that allow domestic violence to exist, offers insight into the various risks and choices that survivors face, and shares how to be part of the solution.

Family Violence in the United States: Defining, Understanding, and Combating Abuse
Hines & Malley-Morrison (2005)
View Abstract
Addresses definitions, prevalence, predictors, and consequences of all types of family aggression, including intimate partner violence and child abuse.

Intimate Partner Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2015)
Helps individuals and organizations gather surveillance data on intimate partner violence by providing recommendations for consistent definitions and data elements.

Violence In the Family - It's Everyone's Concern
Channing Bete Company, Inc. (2006)
View Abstract
Defines family violence, describes its physical and emotional impact, identifies common traits of perpetrators, and discusses family and community prevention strategies.