Domestic abuse can include emotional, physical, economic and sexual abuse from a current or former intimate partner. Coercive control is at the core of all domestic violence and abuse. You may also experience domestic abuse from a family member.

Domestic abuse can include the following forms:

Coercive Control

Coercive control is a persistent pattern of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour including all or some forms of domestic abuse (emotional, physical, financial, sexual including threats) by a current or former intimate partner.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is a very common form of abuse. It is abuse that might not be physical but is hurtful in other ways. It is as harmful as physical abuse but it can be hard to name and talk about. Other people might not be able to see the abuse and this can feel lonely.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any abuse that leaves any part of your body hurt. It is a form of abuse that can be easier to recognise than other forms of abuse.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any kind of unwanted sexual comments or touching from a partner or ex. Rape is a form of sexual abuse. You do not have to have been physically touched to have experienced sexual abuse.

Economic Abuse

Economic abuse is when your partner or ex-partner uses money to control and abuse you.

Digital Abuse

Digital abuse is the use of the internet or a phone to threaten, control or monitor you. Digital abuse can be hard to recognise and get help for but it can have a serious effect on your life. Digital abuse usually happens with other forms of domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse and Children

Domestic violence and abuse is one of the most difficult situations families face.  If your partner or ex-partner is abusing you, you may be worried about the impact on your children.