What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual abuse which takes place within close relationship, usually by partners, ex-partners or family members.

Domestic abuse can involve a wide range of abusive behaviour, including threats, harassment, financial control and emotional abuse. Perpetrators use coercive control, which is a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence to exert power over their victim/s.

Physical violence is only one aspect of domestic abuse and an abuser’s behaviour can vary, from being very brutal and degrading to small actions that leave you humiliated. Those living with domestic abuse are often left feeling isolated and exhausted. Domestic abuse also includes cultural issues such as honour-based violence.

There are various ways that people can be abused, however the main aim of the abuse is to gain power and control over the other person.

The abuse often starts off with small incidents, with lots of different events that gradually chip away or erode your confidence. It can sometimes make you feel that you are losing your “sense of self” and that you can’t trust your own judgement or feel you don’t have the right to make decisions.