Domestic violence information
Plain-language terminology, context, impacts, and links to current information.
Educational information is not a diagnosis, legal opinion, or individualized safety assessment.
Key terminology
Coercive control
A pattern of behavior used to dominate another person’s everyday life, choices, resources, or freedom.
Financial abuse
Using money, employment, credit, property, or access to necessities as a means of control.
Gaslighting
Repeated manipulation that can cause someone to question their memory, perception, or judgment.
Technology-facilitated abuse
Misusing devices, accounts, location, messaging, or surveillance tools to monitor, threaten, or control.
Context and impact
Domestic violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and technology-facilitated patterns. Effects may extend to health, housing, employment, credit, family relationships, and community connection.