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Domestic abuse

What domestic abuse is

Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse often caused by a partner or ex-partner, a family member or carer and it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender.

This could include:

  • Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse
  • Physical or sexual abuse, including inappropriate touching
  • Financial or economic abuse
  • Harassment and stalking
  • Online or digital abuse
  • Gender and domestic abuse
  • Destruction of property and pets

It can commonly escalate from threats or name-calling to physical or sexual abuse and is rarely a one-off incident.

Children and pets can also be hurt by domestic abuse, or find it very upsetting and distressing to witness it.