Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a pattern or incident of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, and violent behavior, including sexual violence, typically perpetrated by a partner, ex-partner, family member, or carer. It is a form of abuse where one person seeks to gain or maintain power and control over another in an intimate or familial relationship.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Physical abuse: hitting, punching, kicking, or other violent acts.
• Sexual abuse: including rape or any non-consensual sexual acts.
• Psychological or emotional abuse: intimidation, humiliation, isolation, threats, and manipulation.
• Coercive control: a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation, and control often involving threats or use of violence.
• Financial or economic abuse: controlling finances, withholding money, or preventing someone from earning.
• Harassment and stalking: including online or digital abuse such as monitoring communications or social media.
• Threats to harm the victim or their family members or pets.

Domestic abuse can occur inside or outside the home, over the phone, online, or through social media, and it can continue even after a relationship has ended. It affects people of all genders, but the majority of victims are women, and most perpetrators are men.

The impact of domestic abuse is profound, affecting not only the individual survivor but also children and families. Witnessing domestic abuse is considered a form of child abuse due to its harmful emotional and psychological effects on children.

In summary, domestic abuse is a serious, multifaceted issue involving a range of abusive behaviors aimed at controlling and harming another person within intimate or family relationships.