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There is considerable disagreement about what harmful behaviors should be included in a definition of nonlethal violence against women in intimate heterosexual relationships. For example, many researchers restrict their focus to physical and/or sexual assaults, whereas others offer formulations that include a much broader range of injurious acts. The main objectives of this article are to describe and evaluate narrow and broad definitions and provide some suggestions for achieving consensus in defining violence against women.

This chapter challenges the “common sense” notion that it is essential for a couple to be living apart to be considered separated or divorced. In making this challenge, the authors make the case for a broad, gender-specific definition of separation/divorce violence, one that includes acts of physical violence and psychological means of victimization.

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