A pattern of abusive behaviors used to exert power and/or control over a current or former partner in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to physical, emotional, sexual, verbal or economic abuse; threats of abuse; and acts that intimidate, isolate, manipulate, humiliate, coerce, frighten, blame or hurt an individual. Patterns indicative of domestic violence may include consistent tension in the household; explosive outbursts of verbal, emotional and/or physical abuse; and repeated apologies where the abuser shifts the blame for their behavior.