domestic violence

noun

: violent or abusive behavior directed by one family or household member against another

He helped start Austin's Children's Advocacy Center, which works with abused kids, and a family-justice division of the D.A.'s office, which prosecutes those accused of domestic violence and helps their families get back to normal.

—John Cloud

a domestic violence hotline

In another disturbing trend, women are victims of domestic violence that spills into the workplace.

—Sarah Henry

Examples of domestic violence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oscarsson alleged a history of domestic violence between DeLao and Torres. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024

Catch up quick: Referendum 8 called for a 1% food and beverage tax at Miami Beach restaurants with liquor licenses to fund services for those experiencing homelessness and domestic violence victims. —Martin Vassolo, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

Read more: Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Misses Practice For Wild Reason Aubrey ended up being picked as part of the 12-person jury for a domestic violence case, which has now been settled. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

This could be troubling for many borrowers and outright dangerous for others, such as people who were at risk of domestic violence. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

domestic violence

noun

: the inflicting of physical harm by one family or household member on another

Legal Definition

domestic violence

noun

domestic vi·​o·​lence

: violence committed by one family or household member against another see also restraining order at order