What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse can be any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional and is often a combination of these. This can include forced marriage, so-called “honour-based” violence and ritual abuse. Domestic abuse is not just about a person hitting or threatening their partner. It can include a whole range of things including belittling, constant criticism, isolating someone from their friends and family, sexual abuse and financial control.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
It can take place in all sorts of relationships, including marriages and partnerships and between close family members. It often continues after a relationship has ended. Domestic abuse is made worse by the fact it is usually perpetrated by someone you care about and by the fact it happens over and over again. There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about trying to have power and control over you.
If you are worried that you or a friend may be experiencing domestic abuse then you could try working your way through the IDAS Domestic Abuse Checklist