What are the differences between domestic violence and family violence?
The Differences Between Domestic Violence and Family Violence
Ema Reynoso
Humphreys College
The legal definitions of domestic violence and family violence vary from state to state. To better understand the difference between domestic violence and family violence, we must determine the context in which the phrase is used. Equally important, it is necessary to define the individual forms of abuse associated with domestic violence and family violence. Common forms of abuse include physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and economic abuse (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2013).
According to The United States Department of Justice (2013), domestic violence is defined as “A pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Typically, the term “intimate partner violence” is used synonymously with domestic violence. Gosselin (2010) further states, “Intimate partner violence refers to violence committed within an adult relationship, regardless of gender, and generally is part of an ongoing complex pattern of violent behavior.” Usually this pattern of abuse begins with verbal behaviors. This may include name-calling and threats made to the victim. The abuse can then escalate to pushing, slapping, punching, hitting, and choking. In some instances the abuse may lead to death.
Like domestic violence, family violence includes intimate partner violence. The main difference between these two terms is family violence also includes violence between other family members. Specifically, family violence includes child abuse, sibling abuse, and elder abuse. Several forms of child abuse include physical abuse, unlawful corporal punishment or injury, general and severe neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and exploitation. When a child hears or witnesses violence toward other family members, even if the child is not
Ema Reynoso
Humphreys College
The legal definitions of domestic violence and family violence vary from state to state. To better understand the difference between domestic violence and family violence, we must determine the context in which the phrase is used. Equally important, it is necessary to define the individual forms of abuse associated with domestic violence and family violence. Common forms of abuse include physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and economic abuse (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2013).
According to The United States Department of Justice (2013), domestic violence is defined as “A pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Typically, the term “intimate partner violence” is used synonymously with domestic violence. Gosselin (2010) further states, “Intimate partner violence refers to violence committed within an adult relationship, regardless of gender, and generally is part of an ongoing complex pattern of violent behavior.” Usually this pattern of abuse begins with verbal behaviors. This may include name-calling and threats made to the victim. The abuse can then escalate to pushing, slapping, punching, hitting, and choking. In some instances the abuse may lead to death.
Like domestic violence, family violence includes intimate partner violence. The main difference between these two terms is family violence also includes violence between other family members. Specifically, family violence includes child abuse, sibling abuse, and elder abuse. Several forms of child abuse include physical abuse, unlawful corporal punishment or injury, general and severe neglect, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and exploitation. When a child hears or witnesses violence toward other family members, even if the child is not
References: Cafarro, J. (2013). Sibling Abuse. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Retrieved from http://www.aamft.org/imis15/content/Consumer_Updates Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Definitions of Domestic Violence. Retrieved from https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/defdomvio.cfm Gosselin, D. K. (2010). History of Violence in the Family, Research and Theory on Family Violence. Heavy hands: an introduction to the crimes of family violence (4th ed.) 36, 79. Boston: Prentice Hall. The Los Angeles Police Department. (2014). Domestic Violence: Laws Related to Domestic Violence. Retrieved from http://www.lapdonline.org/get_informed/content_basic_view The United States Department of Justice. (2013). Domestic Violence: What is Domestic Violence? Retrieved from http://wwwusdoj.gov/domviolence.htm