Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse by someone who is or has been an intimate partner or family member. This can include psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. The incidents often become more frequent and severe with time.
Controlling behaviour are acts designed to make a person subordinate or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting them, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
It is different from other forms of violence because;
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, social background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. Whilst domestic abuse happens in all relationships, the vast majority of domestic abuse incidents are carried out by men towards women.
Domestic abuse is a crime. There are different organisations that can help women and girls to be safe and lead violence-free lives. We can all play a role to end violence against women and girls.