Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, but is often overlooked, excused, or denied. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual.
It can be committed by, or against:
- you
- your boyfriend or girlfriend
- mum or dad
- brothers or sisters
- or any member of your family
Domestic abuse is defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality”.
No one should have to live in fear of someone they love. If you think you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you don’t have to suffer alone, support and help is available.
Forms of Domestic Abuse:
- threats
- verbal abuse
- violence
- physical injury
- having to change your behaviour because you are frightened of someone’s reaction
It can have emotional and psychological consequences such as:
- destroying your self-esteem
- leading to anxiety and depression
- making you feel helpless and alone
Examples of domestic abuse:
- always putting a person down
- always being text to see where you are
- stopping someone from seeing their friends or family
- making threats
- kicking and punching
- someone having to do sexual things that they don’t want to do
- not giving someone money or taking all their money from them
