Which term best describes deliberate physical abuse within a family?

• A. Domestic Violence
• B. Family Violence
• C. Elder Abuse
• D. Neglect

Answer: (B)

Deliberate physical abuse within a family is described by family violence. This term is broad enough to cover abuse between any family members who live together—spouses or partners, parents and children, and other relatives. It captures the intent and wrongdoing happening within the family unit, not limited to a specific relationship.

Domestic violence, while often used to describe harm between intimate partners, is narrower and may not always include other family relationships like parent–child or elder abuse. Elder abuse focuses specifically on harm to older adults, which is just one subset of family violence. Neglect refers to failing to provide care or protection, not active physical harm, so it doesn’t fit the described situation.