"Social" Definition: Dating/domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive and controlling behaviors including physical, sexual and psychological attacks against the victim, children, property or pets.

Legal Definition of Domestic Violence: "Physical harm, bodily injury, assault or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm or assault between family or household members." Household members are people who have resided together or are residing together, have a child in common or are 16 years or older and have been in a dating relationship. Domestic Violence includes violence between spouses, boyfriend/girlfriend, adult child to parents and co-habitants.