What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour used by one person to control, manipulate, or dominate another with whom they have, or have had, a personal or family relationship. Abuse can take many forms and is not limited to physical violence. It may be sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal, or financial in nature.
Domestic abuse (sometimes referred to as domestic violence) often involves a pattern of behaviour, rather than a single incident. This can include controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent actions, including sexual violence. In most cases, the perpetrator is a current or former partner, but abuse can also be carried out by a family member or carer.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:
- Coercive control – a pattern of intimidation, isolation, degradation, and control, often involving the use or threat of physical or sexual violence
- Psychological and emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Online or digital abuse
Any woman can experience domestic abuse, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, class, age, or disability. However, women who face additional forms of discrimination or oppression may encounter further barriers when trying to recognise abuse, disclose their experiences, or access support.
Domestic abuse exists within the wider context of violence against women and girls. This includes other forms of family-based abuse such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse. These forms of violence are often carried out by family members and, in some cases, involve multiple perpetrators.