If a man living with his intimate partner hits them with an open hand, what crime may have been committed?

The situation described involves a man hitting his intimate partner with an open hand, which raises the issue of domestic violence in legal terms. The appropriate classification of this action hinges on the specifics of the event, including whether any injuries are evident.

Selecting domestic battery - if no injuries are seen, aligns with legal definitions where a physical act of violence, such as hitting with an open hand, constitutes battery. Battery is generally defined as any unlawful use of force against another person, and in this context, even without visible injuries, the act still qualifies as domestic battery due to the nature of the relationship between the individuals involved.

In many jurisdictions, domestic battery laws emphasize the relationship aspect, distinguishing it from general assault or battery when the involved parties are intimate. The offense is recognized even if the victim does not sustain noticeable injuries, highlighting that the act alone—physical contact initiated in a harmful or offensive manner—is sufficient for establishing domestic battery.

Other potential choices, such as assault or domestic battery with injury, would not apply here because they differ either in the severity of the act or the presence of injuries. Therefore, the choice of domestic battery - if no injuries seen recognizes the legal standards applicable in scenarios of non-injurious but physically aggressive behavior within an intimate relationship.