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

Other nonprofits like food banks, fatherhood development programs, and domestic violence shelters could still receive grant money under the new federal guidelines, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services. —Anna Sago, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2024

Hernandez said Marchetti has multiple reports of domestic violence against him, involving the woman and involving a juvenile. —Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 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