What is domestic abuse?

The government definition of domestic violence is:

‘Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.’

Source: http://www.gov.uk/domestic-violence-and-abuse

Important questions to ask yourself

Each situation is different, however, there are common factors that link experiences of domestic abuse.

If you feel worried about your circumstances, consider the questions below.

My partner/husband/relative/friend often:

• Criticises me.
• Tells me what to wear and how I should look.
• Threatens to kill me or someone close to me.
• Keeps cash and credit cards from me.
• Keeps me from working whatever job I want.
• Won’t let me have money for basic needs like food and clothes.
• Embarrasses me in front of others, and it makes me want to avoid people.
• Attacks me with weapons, strangles or suffocates me.
• Keeps me from eating, sleeping, or getting medical care.
• Locks me in or out of my house.
• Punches, pushes, kicks, bites, pulls my hair etc.
• Forces me to have sex.
• Monitors my social media.
• Shouts at me and makes me feel small.
• Keeps me away from family and friends.
• I am walking on eggshells to avoid making him angry.