The following definition is from the ‘Partnerships Against Domestic Violence’ Annual Report 2001:

Domestic Violence is when one partner in an intimate relationship attempts, by physical or psychological means, to dominate and control the other. It is generally understood as gendered violence, and is an abuse of power within a relationship or after separation. In the large majority of cases the offender is male and the victim is female. Children and young people are profoundly affected by domestic Violence, both as witnesses and as victims.

Family violence is the term preferred by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. ‘Family’ covers a diverse range of ties of mutual obligation and support, and perpetrators and victims of family violence can include, for example, aunts, uncles, cousins and children from previous relationships.

A wide range of behaviours may be involved in domestic or family violence, including physical, sexual, social and economic abuse.