There are many acts that constitute Domestic Violence in the State of California, including but not limited to: physical abuse, marital rape, assault, hitting, threatening, battery, biting, sexual abuse, chocking, slapping, punching, and victim intimidation. Other forms of domestic violence which may not be criminal include verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and financial abuse.

Domestic violence info http://www.ndvh.org/
Link to updated/new CA domestic violence laws booklet
http://www.caadv.org/docs/2001leg.pdf