Domestic Abuse can, and often does, involve a range of behaviours, which are abusive, and which would not necessarily be classed as violent.
The UK government's definition of domestic abuse 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, emotional".
Both men and women can be victims of domestic abuse, however women are more likely to experience repeated and severe forms of violence. Domestic abuse is quite common, affecting one in four women and one is six men during their lifetime.
Domestic abuse takes place in all types of relationships, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships. It can also involve other family members, including children.
Children
Seeing or hearing domestic abuse can cause emotional harm to children. They may also suffer physical harm by getting in between abuser and victim. If you are worried about a child who is being exposed to domestic abuse, please ring one of the numbers on the leaflet web page or talk to a member of staff who is working with you.
Adults
If you, or someone that you know, is at risk of domestic abuse and who may have care and support needs associated with their age, mental or physical disability and are unable to protect themselves, please ring one of the numbers in the leaflet below or talk to a member of staff who is working with you.
Domestic Abuse leaflet (pdf)