What is 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:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse.
- Physical or sexual abuse.
- Financial or economic abuse.
- Harassment and stalking.
- Online or digital abuse.
Commonly asked questions
Why don’t women leave?
By understanding the many barriers that stand in the way of a woman leaving an abusive relationship we can begin to support and empower women to make the best decision for them.
What are the myths about domestic abuse?
There are many myths about domestic abuse and its causes. Help us challenge some of the most widely believed and deep-rooted misconceptions.
What is the impact of domestic abuse?
When thinking about the consequences of domestic abuse, it is important to consider the impact on the individual survivor and her family and children.
How does it affect children and young people?
Talking to children about what’s happening can help them feel less powerless, confused and angry. We have provided some advice to help you.
What services are there and how are they funded?
Domestic abuse services provide a wide range of information and support including refuge accommodation, helplines, outreach support and floating support.
How common is domestic abuse?
We know from our work, and the work of the Women’s Aid federation of services, that domestic abuse is very common, however this is often difficult to accurately quantify.
