Family violence occurs in all socio-economic levels, educational, racial, and age groups.  It includes physical mistreatment, verbal abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and psychological/emotional abuse.  The victim of abuse may be a child, spouse/partner, or elderly relative; however, the violence will affect every member of the family.

Violent families are characterized by rigid role expectations and poor communication.  Violence is used to control, and love means possession.  Needs and wants are viewed as demands, and expression of feelings is equated with weakness, loss of control, and ultimately violence.  The violent family is isolated from the community, and its members are alienated from each other.