For Indigenous women and girls, the risk of experiencing family violence perpetrated by an intimate partner or another member of the family is much higher than for non-Indigenous women and girls and acts of violence are often more frequent and more severe.

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behaviour in any relationship used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. This abuse can manifest in various forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, digital, economic, or psychological actions or threats. Such behaviours aim to influence and dominate another person through fear, intimidation, terror, manipulation, hurt, humiliation, blame, injury, or harm.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It occurs in various relationships, including those where partners are married, living together, or dating. The impact of domestic violence is pervasive, cutting across all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Domestic abuse may escalate to physical severe injury or death.