About Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is any abuse that happens in a family or personal relationship, where one person bullies or controls the other one. There is no excuse for Domestic Abuse – ever. If you are being abused at home contact us. Get in Touch You can also find out more about domestic abuse, your choices on this website. If you are being abused, it is not your fault and you are not alone. What is domestic abuse? Domestic abuse can involve: Physical abuse– violence such as punching, kicking, biting, burning, choking, spitting, slapping and throwing objects. Emotional abuse– constant criticism, threats to you, your children or your family, putting you down in front of others, accusing you of lying, sulking, cheating, verbal abuse, name calling and threats to report you to social services Sexual abuse– sex against your will or in ways that make you feel uncomfortable or degraded Financial abuse– not allowing you to have money, spending food money, running up debts in your name Forced marriage and honour-based violence – making you marry someone against your will, bullying you and controlling your behaviour to protect the family’s reputation Stalking & Harassment– obsessive jealousy, following and checking up on you, embarrassing you in public. For a simple guide on how to understand the differences between stalking and harassment click here for our local resource Isolation– stopping you from seeing family or friends, monitoring or blocking phone calls, social media and emails Denial– saying the abuse doesn’t happen or that you cause it, begging forgiveness and saying it will never happen again. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you may feel frightened or ashamed, but many people have been in your position. It is not your fault and you are not alone. There is help and support available from people who will believe you and who understand how devastating abuse can be. If you are living with abuse on a daily basis, it is hard to make sense of it, especially if it has got worse over time. Abusive partners are often charming and friendly at other times and might try to convince you and other that problems are your fault. The lower you feel, the more likely you are to blame yourself. Recognising that you are being abused is an important first step to understanding your relationship and making changes in your life. Who might be a perpetrator of domestic abuse? How do you describe what a perpetrator looks like? ‘No one could believe my partner was capable of doing what he had done to me. He was very charming and charismatic’. Quote from service user. Who experiences domestic abuse? Domestic abuse happens in all cultures and social groups at similar levels. It is mostly women who are abused by male partners or ex-partners but men can experience domestic abuse and women can be abusers. Both women and men can suffer domestic abuse in same-sex relationships. Children are badly affected by living with and witnessing domestic abuse and teens and young people can be vulnerable to abuse in their own relationships. Young people can be abusive to their parents and carers can be abusive to the people in their care. When does domestic abuse happen? Domestic abuse is usually hidden. It takes place behind closed doors and without witnesses, this might look like a partner who can control their behaviour in public and in front of company. Your partner might be loving and sociable in front of others but cruel and dominant with you, causing you to feel that your abuse might not be believed or even real Where does domestic abuse happen? Domestic abuse is usually hidden. It takes place behind closed doors and without witnesses. It is different from having a bad temper, if your partner can control their behaviour outside the home, but is cruel and dominant with you. They may appear loving and sociable in front of others, so you feel that no-one would believe you. Why do people abuse? Domestic abuse is about power and control. Your abuser belittles you and hurts you to show you who is in control and to frighten you into how they want you to behave. Your abuser might blame outside circumstances (such as stress, poor mental health, a bad day, alcohol, drugs or your ‘provoking’ behaviour). Outside circumstances don’t cause domestic abuse. If your partner bullies or hurts you to make you do what they want, it is because they choose to behave in this way. People can behave badly in all relationships (especially if the relationship is breaking down) but domestic abuse is different. It is a pattern of bullying and threats, designed to take control of your life away from you. You may love your partner or feel sorry for them if they are under pressure in other areas of their life, but domestic abuse is never acceptable. It rarely gets better by itself and only your partner can choose to change their behaviour. There are traditional gender roles in all cultures. As these roles, and attitudes towards women are challenged, tension can occur in some families or relationships. In the past, society and the law have done little to protect victims and stop abusers. Awareness around domestic abuse are changing and support services and legal options have grown and improved. If you are scared of your partner, or anyone else in your family, you can contact us. Specialist workers can help you to make your own choices and support you in changing your situation. Get in touch No-one deserves to live with domestic abuse. Get help to get your life back. Next - Abusive Behaviours