The terms domestic violence and intimate partner violence are used quite loosely and are often used interchangeably in everyday communication. Domestic violence can take many forms, and in each case, there is often more than one type of violence. It is also common for forms/manifestations of violence to overlap, for example, physical violence is also psychological violence. Sexual violence is also physical in most cases, but can include, for example, forcing people to watch pornography, making sexual advances, or speaking in inappropriate sexual terms..

Intimate partner violence is violence that an individual experiences at the hands of someone who is, for example, but not limited to: a close relative, relative, spouse, child, parent, guardian, or caregiver. The victim and perpetrator do not have to be in a relationship, married, or cohabiting for the violence experienced by the perpetrator to be classified as intimate partner violence. Intimate partner violence is also not limited to the perpetrator’s or victim’s household or the gender of the individuals. (Kvennaathvarf.is, skilgreiningar á heimilisofbeldi).  

More about intimate partner violence:

Stígamót.is, ofbeldi í nánum samböndum. 

Heilsugæslan.is, ofbeldi í nánum samböndum (frá 2013).