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Domestic violence happens between people who are or have been in a close relationship. It's also called intimate partner violence. This type of violence can take many forms, including emotional, sexual and physical abuse, stalking, and threats of abuse.

Although domestic violence most often happens to women, it can happen to anyone. But at times, it might not be easy to recognize domestic violence against men.

Abusive relationships involve one person having power and control over the other person. An abuser uses threatening, hurtful words and behaviors to control a partner. Early in the relationship, an abusive partner may seem attentive, generous and protective. But later, that attention can become controlling and scary. The abuse might seem to be isolated incidents at first. The abusive partner may apologize and promise not to do it again.