Domestic violence has no borders. Thus, it can:
- Be present in all types of relationships, whether romantic or intimate (heterosexual, homosexual, polyamorous, mixed, dating, etc.);
- Continue even when partners separate;
- Occur at any age.
Although it is increasingly covered in the media, domestic violence remains extremely difficult to identify.
Even for the intimate partners, violence is difficult to recognize since it starts quietly, in a rather hypocritical way, and quietly grows in intensity. The perpetrator usually uses several different means to maintain control over the intimate partner. Although it can be experienced by both sexes, domestic violence mainly affects women, regardless of their culture, social status or income.
It can be said that domestic violence is largely the result of historically unequal relations between women and men and where women are disadvantaged.
- Definition of the Government of Quebec
