Domestic Abuse

If you are reading this and in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the Police.

Domestic Abuse Or Domestic Violence?

Domestic abuse is more than physical violence, it can be psychological, emotional, sexual, economic (financial), as well as coercive control, and it can consist of one form of abuse or a combination of some or all of them.

There are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. The following list is not exhaustive but can help you to recognise if you, or someone you know, are in an abusive relationship.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

• Ongoing criticism and verbal abuse like shouting, mocking and name calling
• Pressurising you to do things you don’t want to, and other behaviours like sulking, withholding money and limiting or preventing your use of the phone and/or the internet
• Disrespecting you and putting you down in front of other people
• Preventing you from seeing friends and relatives and being jealous of other relationships you may have with friends and family
• Harassment, which can include following you and checking up on you. Examples include seeing how long you have been on the phone and who you have called
• Other behaviours include making threats, breaking things (especially your possessions) and punching the walls
• More obviously, physical violence like punching, slapping or holding you by the neck are all classed as domestic violence.

This hub has information written by domestic abuse specialists and can offer guidance on getting support and help including information on applying for non-molestation and other court orders.