This article reviews the definitions and epidemiology of the several f
orms of interpersonal violence in family and intimate relationships. I
nterpersonal violence includes both fatal and nonfatal violence where
physical force, or other means, is used by one person with the intent
of causing harm, injury, or death: family violence includes child malt
reatment, adult intimate-partner violence, and elder mistreatment; abu
se refers to a pattern of behaviors organized around the international
use of power by one person to control another; and child maltreatment
involves the abrogation of adult responsibilities for the care and pr
otection of children, and includes child abuse, child sexual abuse, an
d child neglect. Violence is a major public health problem in the Unit
ed States. Half of assault and homicide victims are related to or acqu
ainted with their assailants, as are two-thirds of rape victims. Child
ren and adolescents are at particular risk of violence. The study of i
nterpersonal violence is a complex and evolving field, and is increasi
ngly a part of training and medical practice in academic settings.