Domestic ABUSE


We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and 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 is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

Recognise domestic abuse

Does your partner, ex-partner or someone you live with:

  • cut you off from family and friends and intentionally isolate you?
  • bully, threaten, or control you?
  • take control of your finances?
  • monitor or limit your use of technology?
  • physically and/or sexually abuse you?

Domestic abuse is not always physical violence. It can also include:

  • coercive control and ‘gaslighting’
  • economic abuse
  • online abuse
  • threats and intimidation
  • emotional abuse
  • sexual abuse

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality or background.

If you believe that you are a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:

  • being withdrawn, or being isolated from your family and friends
  • having bruises, burns or bite marks on you
  • having your finances controlled, or not being given enough to buy food, medication or pay bills
  • not being allowed to leave your house, or stopped from going to college or work
  • having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails or letters
  • being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
  • being pressured into sex or sexual contact
  • being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting

Find a Womens Aid Service anywhere in the UK https://www.womensaid.org.uk/womens-aid-directory/

Womens Aid Live chat https://chat.womensaid.org.uk

All forms of domestic abuse are not acceptable in any situation.

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by, a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.

It may seem like a difficult step to take, but there is support available and #YouAreNot Alone.

Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.

NationHelplineContact
EnglandRefuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline0808 2000 247 
Online live chat
Web form
Northern IrelandDomestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline0808 802 1414 
Online live chat
help@dsahelpline.org
ScotlandDomestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline0800 027 1234 
Online live chat 
helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
WalesLive Fear Free0808 80 10 800 
Online live chat 
Text 
info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
UK-wideThe Men’s Advice Line run by Respect is a confidential helpline specifically for male victims.0808 801 0327 
info@mensadviceline.org.uk