What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, threatening or violent nature between people over 16 years of age who are or have been intimate partners or family members.

Anyone can be an abuser or be abused regardless of gender or sexuality.

If you are forced to change your behaviour or who you are because you are fearful of your partner or ex-partner - this is abuse. It is never your fault!

There are many types of domestic abuse including, but not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Coercive control
• Financial abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Online abuse

It’s important to remember that honour-based violence, forced marriages and female genital mutilation are forms of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is typically one person taking control of another person and many aspects of their life. It can also affect the wider household such as children, witnessing and experiencing the abuse.

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Recognising the signs of abuse can be hard.

If you answer yes to any of the below you might be experiencing abuse:

• Does your partner attack you?
• Do they threaten to hurt you?
• Have they made threats to your children, your friends, family or pets, or even themselves?
• Are they jealous and possessive?
• Do they tell you what you can wear and who you can see?
• Do they control the money in your household?
• Do they embarrass or bully you in front of others?
• Are their family involved in abusing you?
• Are you are often left anxious or afraid?

It can be hard to admit, even to yourself that you are experiencing domestic abuse. Making the first step to get help is extremely brave. Remember domestic abuse can happen to anyone.

Regardless of how difficult your situation is, you can still get the help, advice and support you need by contacting us.

For more information on Domestic Abuse listen to our podcast series on Spotify below: