Domestic abuse means an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse by a partner, ex-partner or family member. It is based on one person having power or control over another, and it often gets worse over time. Domestic abuse doesn’t just mean physical violence, and it can include:
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Coercive control: a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence;
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Psychological and/or emotional abuse;
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Physical abuse;
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Sexual abuse;
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Financial abuse;
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Harassment and stalking;
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Online or digital abuse;
Anyone can be abused, regardless of their social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. Domestic abuse doesn’t just happen between partners, it can also happen within families or in shared homes. Domestic Violence doesn’t always mean physical violence. If you feel scared of your partner or someone at home because of things that they say and do, or are forced to change your behaviour because you are frightened of their reaction, you might be experiencing domestic abuse.
Support for domestic abuse
Click here for the National Domestic Violence helpline
Click here for Black Country Women's Aid
Click here for West Mercia Women's Aid
Click here for The Haven
Click here for Respect
Click here for Galop
Click here for Rights of Women
Click here for Victim Support