Domestic abuse, also known as "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence," can be described as a pattern of conduct in any relationship utilized to obtain or maintain control and authority over an intimate relationship. Sexual abuse is any physical, emotional, economic, or psychological acts or threats of conduct that affect the other person. This can include any actions that scare, intimidate or terrorize, abuse, harm, embarrass and humiliate, blame, hurt or injure an individual. Domestic violence can occur to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can take place in many relationships, including married couples, living together, or dating. Domestic violence is a problem for people of all socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.