Domestic Abuse
The UK government definition of domestic violence and abuse defines Domestic abuse as:
Domestic abuse is not just physical violence, but can also take other forms such as emotional, controlling and coercive behaviour, and economic abuse between two people aged 16 or over who are personally connected. (Domestic Abuse Act 2021).
There are many different forms of domestic abuse; these include but are not limited to:
- coercively controlling behaviour emotional/psychological abuse
- physical abuse
- sexual
- financial abuse
- harassment and stalking.
Domestic abuse may also include a range of behaviours that, when viewed as isolated incidents, do not seem much. If they involve a pattern of behaviour that result in you feeling fear, alarm or distress, it is abuse.
Who can be affected by domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of:
- age
- gender
- nationality
- ethnicity
- ability
- income
- class or status
- immigration status
- sexual orientation
- heath issues (including pregnancy)
Domestic abuse can happen between people who:
- are/have been in an intimate relationship together
- are/have lived together
- have children together
- are of close family relations.
Domestic abuse often continues once the relationship is over.
Organisations that can help