Translation guide
The concept of violence or abuse occurring within a domestic setting, such as between spouses, partners, or family members. In Japanese, the most common term is the loanword ＤＶ (ディーブイ), but native terms exist for specific contexts.
Referring to domestic violence in general, especially between spouses or intimate partners.
The most common and widely understood term for domestic violence, borrowed from English. Often used in news, legal contexts, and everyday conversation.
彼女はＤＶ被害者を支援する団体で働いている。
She works at an organization that supports victims of domestic violence.
A more formal, native Japanese term literally meaning 'violence within the home.' It can encompass violence between any family members, not just spouses.
家庭内暴力は深刻な社会問題だ。
Domestic violence is a serious social problem.
A legal term specifically referring to violence between spouses. Used in official documents and laws.
配偶者暴力防止法が施行された。
The Act on the Prevention of Spousal Violence was enacted.
Emphasizing physical acts of violence, such as hitting or beating, within a domestic context.
When the focus is on physical violence inside the home, this term is appropriate. It can be used for child abuse or elder abuse as well.
彼は父親からの家庭内暴力に苦しんでいた。
He suffered from domestic violence at the hands of his father.
Also used for physical abuse, especially in the context of intimate partner violence.
ＤＶの兆候を見逃さないでください。
Don't overlook the signs of domestic violence.
Referring to non-physical forms of abuse, such as verbal abuse, controlling behavior, or intimidation.
Often shortened to モラハラ, this term specifically refers to psychological harassment or emotional abuse, frequently in domestic or workplace settings.
夫からのモラルハラスメントに耐えられなかった。
I couldn't endure the emotional abuse from my husband.
A more general term for psychological violence, which can include emotional abuse within domestic violence.
精神的暴力もＤＶの一種です。
Psychological violence is also a form of domestic violence.
Specifically referring to violence or abuse directed at children by parents or guardians.
The standard term for child abuse, which can be physical, emotional, or neglect. Often used in legal and social welfare contexts.
児童虐待の通報が増えている。
Reports of child abuse are increasing.
Specifically referring to violence or abuse directed at elderly family members.
The standard term for elder abuse, covering physical, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as neglect.
高齢者虐待は家族内で起こることが多い。
Elder abuse often occurs within the family.
ＤＶ is the most common term in everyday conversation and media, strongly associated with intimate partner violence. 家庭内暴力 is broader and can include violence between any family members, but may sound more formal or clinical.
The direct translation 'ドメスティック・バイオレンス' is understood but less common than the abbreviation ＤＶ. Using the full phrase may sound unnatural or overly formal.
Can also refer to child abuse when the context is clear, but 児童虐待 is more precise.
家庭内暴力から子どもを守らなければならない。
We must protect children from domestic violence.