Current Controversies on Defining Nonlethal Violence Against Women in Intimate Heterosexual Relationships

Abstract

There is considerable disagreement about what harmful behaviors should be included in a definition of nonlethal violence against women in intimate heterosexual relationships. For example, many researchers restrict their focus to physical and/or sexual assaults, whereas others offer formulations that include a much broader range of injurious acts. The main objectives of this article are to describe and evaluate narrow and broad definitions and provide some suggestions for achieving consensus in defining violence against women.