Domestic violence is an abuse which manifests itself when a spouse or a family member violates another physically or psychologically. The term domestic violence is normally used for violence between husband and wife but also encompasses live-in relationships and other members of families who live together. Domestic violence is synonymous with domestic abuse.

Domestic violence is common all over the world in all cultures, classes and ages. Violence can take place between men and women, people of same sex or people of different ages like between child and adult ,elderly and youth and vice versa. Domestic violence can occur in many forms and take many dimensions. It can be physical, sexual, social, psychological or economical. The intensity, nature and frequency of violence determine the mode and type of treatment required. Domestic violence can range from mild to moderate to severe and go up to the level of homicide. The injury can be either temporary or permanent.

Laws and documentation on matters concerning domestic violence vary from country to country and time to time. Domestic violence against Indian women has taken dimensions like female feticide, selective abortion, dowry harassment, dowry deaths, physical abuse, mental violence, public trafficking and social humiliation. Domestic violence manifests in many ways. It can be constant or a once in a while thing. Domestic violence is actually abuse of power. It is one person using his powers to dominate and control another person. Overt domestic violence can take the form of physical injury by shoving or hitting and sexual violence can be forced sexual activity and abuse.

Domestic violence is a very serious human health issue which is prevalent in human society all over the world. Instances of domestic violence normally go unreported due to social pressures. Children are also victimized in a big way due to violence between adults. Domestic violence is a crime and help should be sought for it. There is a tendency to identify domestic violence as specific and overtly violent and abusive instances. However, violent and abusive behavior in a relationship extends beyond the actual instances and their effects continue to manifest on the concerned individuals for a long time. Domestic violence has also been described as a pattern of behavior by counselors and psychologists.

An occasional argument, hitting or fighting does not necessarily translate into domestic violence. Violence on the domestic front is actually abuse of power. Both men and women can be abused but the usual victim is the woman. The abuser uses torture to control the victim through calculated threats, physical violence and intimidation. Children of violent homes also suffer from abuse and neglect. Violence can go beyond the women to children and other vulnerable family members and even friends.

Domestic violence is primarily a crime of power and abuse. Abusers actually handle their own insecurities and inadequacies by exerting control on others in the precincts of their home. Domestic violence is a part of human society since hundreds of years. Recorded history testifies to the belief in the subordination of women which facilitates domestic violence. Countries which offered lesser rights to women have shown more instances of domestic violence since times immemorial.