1 - What is domestic violence? Are there different types of violence? Domestic violence is any abusive, violent, coercive, coercive or threatening act inflicted by one member of a family or household on another. The Vaughn court summarizes domestic violence as follows: Abuse by a family member of those who are weaker and less able to defend themselves -- almost invariably a child or a woman -- is a violation of the most basic human right. fundamental, of the most fundamental condition. of civilized society: the right to live in physical security, without fear that brute force will determine the conditions of one's daily life. This violence can take the form of physical, verbal, emotional or sexual abuse. Vaughn Guard, 422 Mass. 590 (1996). Webster's Dictionary gives a more comprehensive definition of domestic violence; it defines domestic violence as a pattern of behavior that involves violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. Domestic violence (IPV) is violence committed by one spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner. Domestic violence can occur in both heterosexual and homosexual family relationships and can involve violence against some children who become passive and withdrawn while others become angry and aggressive. These children live in constant fear that the abuser may become physically violent towards them. Additionally, children exposed to such abuse may also exhibit physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, bedwetting, loss of ability to concentrate, anxiety, and loss of appetite. These children are also at higher risk of alcohol and drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and juvenile delinquency.