Understanding Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

It affects people of all genders, ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Types of Abuse Include:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Coercive control
• Sexual abuse
• Financial or economic abuse
• Digital and online abuse
• Stalking and harassment

Warning Signs:

• Feeling afraid of your partner
• Being isolated from friends or family
• Constant criticism or put-downs
• Monitoring of your movements, phone or finances
• Pressure around sex or sexual acts
• Being made to feel responsible for the abuse

If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is abuse, reach out. Help is available.