Family Violence

Family violence refers to abusive behavior used by a person to control and/or harm a family member or someone with whom they have an intimate relationship. It encompasses various forms of physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, and neglect carried out by family members or intimate partners. This abuse may be a single incident or a pattern of repeated acts that cause serious harm or fear to the victim.

Key aspects of family violence:

• Forms of abuse: Physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial control or exploitation, neglect, and psychological harm.
• Types of family violence:
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Child abuse and neglect
  • Elder abuse
  • Violence based on so-called "honour" (e.g., violence to protect family reputation, forced marriage, female genital mutilation)
• Controlling behaviors: Restricting access to money, work, social contacts, devices, tracking movements, threats to safety or loved ones, and coercion.
• Legal definitions: For example, in Texas law, family violence includes acts intended to cause physical harm or fear of imminent harm among family or household members, including dating partners.

Family violence is a serious social and legal issue with potentially fatal consequences. It affects people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds and is never acceptable. Victims deserve safety, respect, and access to support and legal protections.