APA Dictionary of Psychology

women who experience physical, sexual, psychological or other abuse by their partners, spouses, or relatives. Intimate partner violence against females is considered to surpass rape as the most underreported act of violent assault in the United States. Current data suggest that it is common and occurs in all socioeconomic classes and racial, ethnic, and religious groups. While the gender-based focus of this term reflects the higher incidence of domestic violence toward women, men may also be abused by domestic partners. See also battered-woman syndrome.