Domestic Abuse

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic violence and abuse takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour by a partner or carer, male or female. The abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual and can include forced marriage and ‘honour based’ crimes. Domestic abuse occurs across society regardless of age, gender, religion, race, sexuality, disability or social class.

What is Coercive Control?

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
This controlling behaviour is designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Warning Signs

The beginning of a relationship is new and exciting, it is not always possible to see the early signs of abuse.

There are a few warning signs that can help you to identify the start of an unhealthy relationship, click below to read them

What is Coercive Control?

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
This controlling behaviour is designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Domestic Abuse & Young People

Domestic abuse affects young people in their own relationships or if they grown up with violence and abuse within their families.

Everyone deserves to have a healthy relationship that is based on respect, love, trust, good communication, loyalty, fun and equality. When you are in a relationship like this you both feel loved, safe, happy, confident and special – it is important that you and your partner take an equal part in making the relationship a happy and healthy one.

Click below for more information and warning signs

Power & Control Wheel

This tool illustrates the most common abusive behaviours or tactics used against victims of domestic abuse. An abuser systematically uses threats, intimidation, and coercion to instil fear in their partner. These behaviours are the spokes of the wheel. Physical and sexual violence holds it all together—this violence is the rim of the wheel. They are less easily identified, yet firmly establish a pattern of intimidation and control in an abusive relationship. If you can relate to this, we are here to help.