Key Differences Between Domestic Abuse And Domestic Violence

Outside of the professional law field, the media and many average people use the terms domestic violence and abuse interchangeably. The severity is there with both terms, but if you want to pursue legal action, it's important to recognize the distinction. Doing so will help build your case. Continue reading to learn about the crucial differences between domestic abuse and domestic violence.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is an umbrella term that generally encompasses all forms of abuse beyond the physical. Domestic abuse refers to all abuse, including:

• Physical
• Emotional/psychological
• Sexual
• Financial

These forms of domestic abuse, most commonly emotional and sexual, are the first points of abuse that will start to arise in a relationship. The abuser will employ psychological abuse tactics such as humiliation, guilt, gaslighting, intimidation, and dominance to manipulate the partner and cut off resources. It's important to note that