Domestic abuse can take many different forms and is not always physical. It can include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment and physical violence.

Domestic abuse can happen between current or former partners, family members or people who are otherwise connected through a family or personal relationship.

It can sometimes be difficult to recognise domestic abuse, particularly when behaviours develop gradually or are presented as being motivated by love, concern or protection. You may be made to feel that you are responsible for the other person’s behaviour, or that what is happening is your fault.

Domestic abuse is never your fault.

What can domestic abuse look like?

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:

  • Controlling who you see, where you go, what you wear or how you spend your time
  • Monitoring your phone, emails, social media, location or other communications
  • Preventing or discouraging you from seeing friends, family or other sources of support
  • Controlling or restricting access to money, bank accounts, accommodation, education or employment
  • Repeatedly putting you down, humiliating you or making you feel worthless
  • Threatening to hurt you, themselves, someone else or a pet
  • Threatening to share private information, photographs or messages about you
  • Pressuring or forcing you to have sex or engage in sexual activity
  • Using physical violence or threatening physical violence
  • Preventing you from leaving a relationship or making you feel that you cannot leave safely
  • Using children or other family members to control, intimidate or punish you
  • Repeatedly contacting, following or monitoring you
  • Threatening to report you to the police, immigration authorities or other organisations
  • Using your personal, cultural, financial or immigration circumstances to control or intimidate you
  • Forcing you to follow rules about your behaviour, relationships, education, work or appearance
  • Threatening or carrying out practices that are intended to control or punish you in the name of family, culture or perceived honour.

You do not have to experience physical violence for something to be domestic abuse.

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Report anonymously - limited action can be taken or Report to speak to an adviser