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

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.