Physical Violence in an Intimate Relationship

Physical violence refers to acts that violate a person’s physical integrity without their consent or against their will. Examples of physical violence include hitting, grabbing or shaking someone roughly, throwing objects, kicking, strangulation, and administering drugs or substances to a person without their consent.

Restricting a person’s physical freedom is also a form of physical violence when it is not necessary to protect the immediate safety of oneself or another person, such as preventing a child from entering a dangerous situation.

Physical violence carries a risk of injury and long-term physical harm. Severe forms of physical violence, such as strangulation or blows to the head, also involve an immediate risk of death.

In intimate relationships, physical violence rarely occurs on its own. It is often accompanied by other forms of abuse, such as emotional or psychological abuse. Research shows a connection between threats of physical violence and the actual use of violence. For this reason, any verbal or other kind of threat of violence should always be taken seriously.

Like other forms of abuse, physical violence can become normalised for the victim when it is repeated over a long period of time. The victim may begin to see it as a normal part of the relationship. This is why it is important to recognise the many forms that abuse can take as early as possible, so that the cycle of abuse can be interrupted and support can be provided.

Physical Violence in an Intimate Relationship

Read more about domestic violence