Domestic Violence A Manual for Health Care Professionals

Domestic violence is a term which refers to a wide range of physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse of people who are, or have been, intimate partners - whether or not they are married or cohabiting. Although domestic violence can take place in any intimate relationship, including gay and lesbian partnerships, and abuse of men by female partners does occur, the great majority of domestic violence, and the most severe and chronic incidents, are perpetrated by men against women and their children. In recognition of this reality, the document refers throughout to the victims of domestic violence as women.

Domestic violence is a term which refers to a wide range of physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse of people who are, or have been, intimate partners - whether or not they are married or cohabiting. Although domestic violence can take place in any intimate relationship, including gay and lesbian partnerships, and abuse of men by female partners does occur, the great majority of domestic violence, and the most severe and chronic incidents, are perpetrated by men against women and their children. In recognition of this reality, the document refers throughout to the victims of domestic violence as women.