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

They have been used in homicides, domestic violence, robberies, killings of law enforcement officers, mass shootings and school shootings, including one that wounded two kindergarteners at a Northern California religious school last week. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024

The proceeds from the event were originally intended to be donated to the Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre – a charity that supports women and children affected by homelessness, domestic violence and systemic disadvantage. —Issy Ronald, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024

Due to a history of domestic violence and violent criminal history, Sullivan was suspected of being involved in her disappearance. —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 9 Dec. 2024

Sales of sensitive information can also compromise the safety of specific groups, such as law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence survivors, exposing them to violence and stalking. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 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