It is the pattern of behavior that seeks to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation. It often includes the threat or use of violence. Battering happens when batterers believe they are entitled to control their partners. They believe that violence is acceptable and will produce the desired results.
Not all battering is physical. Battering includes emotional abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, threats to and about children, using "male privilege", intimidation, isolation, and other behaviors used to induce fear and establish power.
Battering escalates. It may begin with name-calling or punching thorough a wall or kicking a pet. Next steps may be pushing, slapping, pinching; then punching, kicking, biting, tripping, throwing, or restraining. It often includes sexual assault. It may lead to choking, the breaking of bones, and other life threatening incidents.
(Source: Largo Police Dept, Largo FL)