This research will begin with the definition of domestic violence in a broad-based context or in a limited context. The term “domestic” refers to the types of relationships, as in a heterosexual relationship. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another…Violence against women is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior…that results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death… Additionally, domestic violence affects women regardless of their age, socio-economic status, religion, ethnic and educational backgrounds. The United Nations, through its Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, defines domestic violence as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. This definition recognizes the fact that domestic violence is a crucial social mechanism that forces women into a subordinate position. Additionally, this definition takes into account the physical and psychological harm towards women, whether done in private or public life. The definition also encompasses three areas: violence within the family. violence within the general community, and violence committed or intentionally overlooked by the State. The UNICEF further recognizes that domestic violence encompasses violence committed by intimate partners and other family members as manifested through any of the following: physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and economic abuse. Physical abuse refers to acts such as slapping, choking, beating and murder, among others. It also refers to traditional practices that endanger women’s health and well-being such as genital mutilation and wife inheritance. Physical abuse may lead to death. The Washington state defines domestic violence as “physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the inflicting of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members”.
