About domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is a crime. It is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it. And it can happen to anyone — regardless of age, background, gender identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity. However, statistics show most domestic abuse is carried out by men and experienced by women.
1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime
Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse
2 women a week are killed by a current or former partner
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How to identify abuse
If you alter your behaviour because you are frightened of how your partner will react, you’re being abused.
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My rights
Domestic abuse is a crime. You have certain rights under the law designed to protect you.
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The Myths
It can be tempting to explain away abusive behaviour by making excuses.
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The Facts
The numbers don’t lie: they tell a clear story about the prevalence and harmful effects of abuse.
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Jargon buster
Don’t let fancy words intimidate you. Here are some commonly used terms you should know.
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Types of domestic abuse
Psychological/emotional abuse: Includes name-calling, threats and manipulation, blaming you for the abuse or ‘gas-lighting’ you.
Economic abuse: Controlling your access to money or resources. He might take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt without your knowledge or consent
Sexual abuse: Doesn’t have to be physical. He might manipulate, deceive or coerce you into doing things you don’t want to do.
Coercive control: When an abuser uses a pattern of behaviour over time to exert power and control. It is a criminal offence.
Physical abuse: Not only hitting. He might restrain you or throw objects. He might pinch or shove you and claim it’s a ‘joke’.
Tech abuse: He might send abusive texts, demand access to your devices, track you with spyware, or share images of you online.