What is Domestic Violence?
“Domestic violence refers to violence among people in a domestic situation, and can thus include not only a spouse or partner (same sex or opposite sex), but also siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.” (womenagainstabuse.org)
What is Intimate Partner Violence?
“Intimate partner violence is more specific in describing violence perpetrated by a partner in a romantic or dating relationship. This sort of abuse is Women Against Abuse’s primary focus; however, the descriptor “intimate partner violence” is a more recent term. Many people still consider “domestic violence” as referring in fact to intimate/dating partners. It’s a nuanced issue, and until the general public begins using a more inclusive term, we have decided to use both phrases interchangeably when we discuss relationship violence.”
More Resources from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, thehotline.org:
Why People Stay
Understand the Signs of Relationship Abuse
Other Resources for Support, including safety planning (scroll down page)