Okuzeka
Criminal Law & Justice vocabulary · Crimes & Offences

Domestic violence

Meaning in criminal law & justice, with examples

/dəˌmestɪk ˈvaɪələns/nounCommon term

In criminal law & justice, domestic violence means: Violent, threatening or controlling behaviour by one person against a partner, former partner or family member.

In Turkish: aile içi şiddet, ev içi şiddet

How it is used

Used by police, courts, social services and charities: 'victims of domestic violence', 'a domestic violence case', 'report domestic violence'. Many official texts now say 'domestic abuse', because the term also covers emotional, financial and controlling behaviour.

Example sentences

  1. Police receive calls about domestic violence every day.

  2. The court heard that the domestic violence had gone on for years.

  3. Specialist officers support victims of domestic violence.

Common collocations

  • victims of domestic violence
  • domestic violence case
  • report domestic violence
  • domestic abuse
  • restraining orderA court order that forbids a person from contacting or going near someone else, usually to protect a victim of violence, threats or harassment.
  • victimA person who has been harmed, injured or killed as a result of a crime, or who has lost money or property because of it.
  • assaultThe crime of attacking someone physically or, in strict legal use, making someone fear that they are about to be attacked.
  • perpetratorThe person who actually committed a crime or a harmful act; a formal word used by police, courts and researchers.

More terms: Crimes & Offences

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.