Legal Definitions - family violence

Family violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior by one family member or intimate partner against another, intended to establish or maintain power and control. This harmful conduct can take many forms, including physical assault, emotional manipulation, psychological intimidation, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. It occurs within the context of a family unit, household, or between individuals who are or were in an intimate relationship.

Here are some examples illustrating family violence:

• Example 1: A teenager consistently threatens their younger sibling with physical harm if they don't comply with demands, often destroying the younger sibling's belongings and isolating them from friends. The parents are aware but do not intervene effectively.

  Explanation: This scenario demonstrates family violence through the older sibling's pattern of physical threats, destruction of property, and social isolation tactics, all aimed at exerting power and control over a vulnerable family member within the household.

• Example 2: An adult daughter, who lives with her elderly mother, systematically takes control of her mother's pension and savings, restricts her access to medical care, and constantly belittles her, making her feel worthless and dependent.

  Explanation: This illustrates family violence through financial exploitation, neglect of care, and emotional abuse directed at a vulnerable family member. The daughter's actions establish a clear pattern of control and harm, fitting the definition.

• Example 3: A husband frequently monitors his wife's phone calls and text messages, dictates where she can go and who she can see, and repeatedly threatens to expose private information about her past if she doesn't comply with his demands, causing her significant emotional distress and fear.

  Explanation: This exemplifies family violence through a sustained pattern of psychological intimidation, surveillance, and coercive control within an intimate relationship. The husband's actions are designed to strip his wife of her autonomy and maintain dominance, causing emotional and psychological harm.