What does the exercise of force to harm oneself or another person signify?

The exercise of force to harm oneself or another person is best encapsulated by the term "violence." Violence is defined as any behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. This can manifest in various forms, including physical assaults, domestic violence, and self-harm behavior. The key element that characterizes violence is the intention to inflict pain or injury through force.

In contrast, assault specifically refers to the threat or attempt to inflict bodily harm to another individual, which may not always result in physical injury. Alcohol and drug-related behaviors or psychological abuse can suggest abusive situations, while negligence refers to a failure to act that results in harm but does not involve intentional harm. Therefore, violence comprehensively conveys the concept of using force maliciously against oneself or others, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.