Domestic violence is best defined as which of the following?

• A. Behaviour that is believed to be normal in relationships.
• B. Behaviour used to gain power and control over a partner.
• C. Only physical violence.
• D. Only between adults in marriage.

Answer: (B)

Domestic violence is defined by patterns of behaviour aimed at gaining power and control over a partner. This goes beyond a single fight or physical harm and includes psychological, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse, all used to dominate or restrict the other person’s freedom. The key idea is coercive control, not just isolated acts, and it can occur in dating relationships, cohabiting couples, or marriages, and it’s not considered acceptable or “normal” in relationships. The other statements fail because they either normalize the abuse, confine it to physical violence, or limit it to married adults only.