Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence: A Definition
Domestic violence is not a specific statutory offence. The term is used to describe a range of criminal offences - and sometimes sub-criminal behaviour – occurring in particular circumstances. There are therefore many different definitions.
For the purpose of police force returns of reported incidents to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, the definition used is: “any violence between current or former partners in an intimate relationship, wherever and whenever it occurs. The violence may include physical, emotional or financial abuse”.
The definition used should be that thought most appropriate for particular local circumstances and purposes. Most important is a shared definition or understanding amongst agencies working together locally, both to ensure effective operations and to ensure meaningful and comparable data for the assessment of progress and use of resources
Gender issues
The Government regards all forms of violence between current and former partners as unacceptable and recognises that violence can occur in which women are the perpetrators and men the victims and in same sex relationships.
By comparison with men, however, women are more likely to experience domestic violence over their lifetime, more likely to suffer repeat victimisation, more likely to be injured and to seek medical treatment, more likely to experience frightening threats, and more likely to be frightened and upset.
Last update: June 2003