Part 1: What Is Domestic Violence?

Last month we kicked off a series of articles discussing what the church can do about domestic violence with an introductory piece, What The Church Can Do. In order for the church to respond properly to domestic violence, it must first be recognized for what it is.

Domestic violence is not physical violence alone. Domestic violence is any behavior the purpose of which is to gain power and control over a spouse, partner, girl/boyfriend or intimate family member. Abuse is a learned behavior; it is not caused by anger, mental problems, drugs or alcohol, or other common excuses.

Arizona Coalition To End Sexual and Domestic Violence

Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone…