What term describes the less severe form of partner violence characterized by the absence of control over the partner?

The term that refers to the less severe form of partner violence, characterized by the absence of control over the partner, is situational battering. This type of violence often arises in specific situations or conflicts rather than stemming from a power imbalance where one partner seeks to dominate or control the other. It can be transient and is often linked to stressors or external circumstances, making it different from more chronic forms of violence, which are typically marked by ongoing patterns of control and domination.

In situations of situational battering, the violence may be impulsive and not indicative of a broader pattern of abusive behavior. This distinguishes it from forms such as chronic battering, which involves a consistent and systematic approach to controlling and abusing a partner over time. Emotional battering emphasizes psychological manipulation and emotional abuse, while identity abuse targets a partner's sense of self, often undermining their self-esteem related to their identity or worth.