Relationship violence may be present in dating and domestic violence, sometimes also called intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behavior in which one partner uses fear and intimidation to establish power and control over the other partner, often including the threat or use of violence. This abuse happens when one person believes they are entitled to control another, and it may or may not include sexual assault. Dating and domestic violence occur in straight/heterosexual relationships, same-sex/gender relationships and in intimate relationships that do not involve romantic feelings. Intimate partner violence impacts people of all ethnicities, races, classes, abilities and nationalities.
Although there are some general patterns in domestic or dating violence, there is no typical abusive behavior. To wear down and control his/her victim, an abuser may use isolation, emotional harassment, physical contact, intimidation, or other means. The controlling behavior usually escalates, particularly if the victim of the abuse tries to resist or leave.

Types of Abuse

In a violent relationship, behaviors that are used to maintain fear, intimidation, and power over another person may include threats, intimidation, economic abuse, sexual abuse, taking advantage of male privilege, or using someone’s identity against them. These behaviors may take the form of physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological violence.