I like the topic. Here's an article from USAToday on it
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/...use-usat_x.htm
One of the researchers, Richard Gelles, is also the author of several books including sociolgy textbooks used at Campbell University in NC. I always thought he was pretty even handed in his remarks.
The article says that some would define verbal abuse as domestic violence. I don't know if I would or not. I think women are far worse at using verbal assaults on their husbands and children than men are and that over time it can wear you down in a way that physical abuse doesn't.