Domestic violence is physical or nonphysical (i.e., psychological) abuse committed by one or more persons against an individual or individuals irrespective of characteristics such as gender, sexual orientation or identity, political views, religious denomination, and socioeconomic status. Domestic violence can take place at any time and in any society or community. Domestic violence is defined as an act of violence that takes place specifically within an intimate relationship (i.e., perpetrated against a spouse or partner). In most cases, domestic violence refers to or receives attention as an act or acts that are committed by men against women. Men, however, can also be victims of domestic violence, and most acts of domestic violence perpetrated against men usually take place in public settings or are committed by ...