what is domestic violence?

Definitions Related to Domestic Violence and Abuse

Assault
A threat or act to do violence, with the ability to do the violence, creating imminent fear in the victim.
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Aggravated Assault
An assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill.
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Battery
To threaten, attempt or actually inflict physical harm on a person. Touching or striking a victim against their will or causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement. Throwing objects at another person. Pushing, grabbing, shoving, slapping, kicking, biting, hitting or choking.
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Sexual Abuse
Includes demanding or withholding sex or the act of forcing sexual acts not accepted by the victim.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse: Refers to the types of behaviors involving psychological and emotional assaults. These include but are not limited to verbal attacks such as ridicule, verbal harassment and name-calling. These assaults are designed to make the victim believe he/she is not worthwhile in order to keep him/her under the control of the abuser.
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Isolation
Used to separate the victim from his/her social support structure. The abuser possibly denies the victim access to finances and other resources, thus limiting his/her independence. The abuser may demonstrate extreme jealousy or possessiveness, such as controlling with whom the victim has contact. Included as well are verbal threats of abuse, harm or torture directed at the victim, his/her family, children or friends, along with damage or destruction of the victim’s property.
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Stalking
To willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follow or harass another. Includes repeated harassing phone calls.
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Aggravated Stalking
Stalking with a credible threat to place the victim in fear of death or bodily harm; or if there is an injunction and misdemeanor and stalking occurs. Includes threatening his/her family.
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False Imprisonment
Forcibly or by threat or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning or restraining another person without authority and against his/her will.
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Kidnapping
Forcibly or by threat or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning or restraining another person against his/her will and without lawful authority with the intent to: hold for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage, commit or facilitate the commission of any felony, inflict bodily harm upon or terrorize the victim or another person.