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

Her husband, with whom Kley shared the apartment at 728 N Jennings Rd, was arrested three hours before the fire after Kley called Independence police to report domestic violence. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2024

The Supreme Court rejects gun rights for people accused of domestic violence. —Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2024

Gun-control advocates and groups representing victims of domestic violence praised the court Friday for reversing the 5th Circuit. —Ann Marimow, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

President Joe Biden, a staunch gun control advocate, vowed to continue to advocate for laws and policies that prevent arming domestic violence suspects. —Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 21 June 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