What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse comes in many forms and it can be really hard to spot. It can be as obvious as repeated, unexplained injuries or as insidious as keeping the victim from their family & friends or not letting them work. It's important to remember that domestic abuse is never your fault and that although leaving seems impossible, you can do it. This page aims to educate you on the different types of abuse and what they can look like.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse involves someone else controlling your spending, your access to finances, cash and assets or even using fear to manipulate how you spend your funds.

Separational Abuse

Separational abuse is made up of all other forms of abuse but the defining element is that this abuse occurs after the victim leaves the relationship.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is when a partner uses words, tone of voice and non-physical actions to manipulate, hurt, scare or upset you.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is what most people think of when they hear the words "domestic violence". It's when the perpetrator is deliberately aggressive or violent towards their partner, which often results in physical injury.

Disability-Based Abuse

Disability based abuse often involves many other forms of abuse, but abusers are also known to withhold, destroy or manipulate medical equipment, medication, personal care, medical information, and meals

Coercive Control

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviours intentionally used to control the victim. It has elements of other forms of abuse, particularly emotional, financial and physical abuse.

Digital Abuse

Digital abuse is when an abuser uses technology to stalk, harass or intimidate their victim. It can also be someone else controlling how you use technology, including monitoring everything.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when a person is forced or coerced to participate in a sexual acts. This can be through coercion, threats, manipulation and physical force

Honour-Based Abuse

Honour-based abuse is an incident committed to protect or defend the 'honour' of a family or community. This is a very common form of abuse within religious communities.