What is a primary characteristic of domestic violence?

A primary characteristic of domestic violence is a pattern of increasing power and coercive control. This means that the abusive partner often seeks to establish dominance over the other partner through manipulation, threats, and various forms of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. The cycle of abuse typically escalates, where initial incidents may be followed by periods of calm, only to be succeeded by further abuse, reinforcing the abuser's control over the victim.

In contrast to the other choices, mutual consent and understanding, open communication, and physical independence do not align with the dynamics of domestic violence. Healthy relationships are characterized by equality, respect, and open dialogue, whereas domestic violence involves an imbalance of power and often leads to isolation and fear, preventing true communication and consent from occurring. Therefore, recognizing the pattern of power and coercive control is crucial in understanding and addressing domestic violence.