Common Couple Violence - Characteristics

Characteristics

CCV is characterized by a few main traits:

Mode

Mildly aggressive behavior such as throwing objects, ranging to more aggressive behaviors such as pushing, slapping, biting, hitting, scratching, or hair pulling.

Frequency

Less frequent than PT, occurring once in a while during an argument or disagreement.

Severity

Milder than PT, very rarely escalates to more severe abuse, generally does not include injuries that were serious or that caused one partner to be admitted to a hospital.

Mutuality

Violence may be equally expressed by either partner in the relationship.

Intent

Occurs out of anger or frustration rather than as a means of gaining control and power over the other partner.