Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, dating abuse, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is a pattern of behavior which involves the abuse by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, cohabitation, dating or within the family. It can be experienced by persons in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. Forms of domestic violence include physical, emotional, verbal, economic, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms of abuse to violent physical abuse that results in disfigurement or death. A victim of domestic violence can request a Protective Order or a Peace Order to obtain relief from his/her abuser.