Definitions

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological.2 ​

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent. Sexual violence includes but is not limited to sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, incest, fondling, attempted rape, sexual harassment, and child sexual abuse.2 

Refugee

A person outside of their country of nationality who is unable or unwilling to return to that country due to persecution or a justified fear of persecution. Persecution or the fear of persecution must be based on the person's race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.1

Immigrant

An immigrant is a person who chooses to resettle in another country.1

Asylee

An asylee is any person who is in a country and unable or unwilling to return to their country of nationality and seeks the protection of that country because of persecution or a justified fear of persecution. ​Persecution or the fear of persecution must be based on the person's race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion.1

Sources:
1. "Glossary." USCIS. N.p., Jan. 2015. Web.
2. "Office on Violence Against Women." Office on Violence Against Women. N.p., n.d. Web