Every minute in the UK an incident of domestic abuse is reported to the Police. It is estimated that on average 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse at some stage in their lifetime. It can take many forms including physical, emotional, financial, psychological, sexual and “honour based” violence.
Domestic abuse is any behaviour used by one person to control, manipulate, threaten, intimidate or harm another person within a relationship or family setting.
It can happen between current or former partners, spouses, family members, children, babies or people who live together. Domestic abuse affects people of all ages, backgrounds, cultures and communities.
Domestic abuse is not always physical. In many cases, it involves a pattern of behaviour designed to gain power and control over another person.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and able to make their own choices.
Domestic Abuse Can Include:
Emotional Abuse
Behaviour that affects someone’s confidence, self-worth or emotional wellbeing.
Examples include:
- Constant criticism or humiliation
- Name-calling or insults
- Blaming someone for things that are not their fault
- Threats or intimidation
- Making someone feel frightened or worthless
Coercive Control
A pattern of behaviour used to dominate, isolate or control another person.
Examples include:
- Monitoring where someone goes
- Controlling who they see or speak to
- Dictating what they wear
- Tracking phones, messages or social media
- Making someone feel they need permission to make everyday decisions
Physical Abuse
Any form of physical violence or harm.
Examples include:
- Hitting, punching or kicking
- Pushing, grabbing or restraining
- Throwing objects
- Damaging property
- Preventing someone from leaving
Economic or Financial Abuse
Controlling a person’s ability to access, use or maintain money and financial resources.
Examples include:
- Controlling bank accounts
- Preventing someone from working
- Taking wages or benefits
- Running up debts in someone else’s name
- Restricting access to money for essentials
Sexual Abuse
Any unwanted sexual activity or behaviour.
Examples include:
- Pressure to engage in sexual activity
- Unwanted touching
- Sexual coercion
- Sharing intimate images without consent
- Any sexual activity without consent
Digital Abuse
Using technology to monitor, threaten or control someone.
Examples include:
- Checking phones or emails
- Tracking someone’s location
- Monitoring social media accounts
- Sending threatening messages
- Controlling access to online services
Abuse Can Affect Anyone
Domestic abuse can affect:
- Women and men
- Children and babies
- Young people and older adults
- People in same-sex relationships
- People from all cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds
- People with disabilities
At Broxtowe Women’s Project, we specialise in supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse, but we recognise that abuse can impact anyone.
The Impact of Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including:
- Physical health
- Mental wellbeing
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Relationships with family and friends
- Employment and education
- Housing and financial security
Children can also be affected by domestic abuse, even if they do not directly witness incidents. Living in an environment where abuse is present can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, development and sense of safety.
If You’re Not Sure Whether It’s Abuse
Many people question their experiences because abuse is not always obvious.
You may be experiencing abuse if someone:
- Makes you feel afraid
- Controls your daily life
- Isolates you from others
- Constantly puts you down
- Monitors your behaviour
- Controls your finances
- Threatens you, your children, pets or loved ones
If a relationship makes you feel unsafe, frightened or controlled, it is important to seek support.