What term describes low-level violence that occurs in conflicts between couples as opposed to a desire for control?

The correct term that describes low-level violence occurring in conflicts between couples, rather than stemming from a desire for control, is situational battering. This type of violence typically arises in the heat of the moment during disagreements or arguments and is frequently characterized by a lack of a systematic pattern of abuse. In such cases, the conflict escalates to physical altercations, but these instances are not driven by an intention to exert power or control over the partner.

Situational battering tends to reflect the volatile nature of the relationship dynamics at that specific moment rather than an ongoing cycle of abuse. This understanding helps differentiate from other terms, such as chronic battering, which connotes a more persistent and controlling pattern of violence, or emotional battering, which refers primarily to psychological abuse rather than physical acts. Physical battering can encompass various acts of violence, but without the emphasis on the situational aspect, it may not capture the nuance present in conflicts that are more about emotional triggers than control dynamics.