Domestic abuse
Types of domestic abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse
Repeatedly blaming, belittling, shaming, manipulating or gaslighting someone to intimidate, humiliate or make them doubt themselves or question their reality.
Controlling or coercive behaviour
A pattern of controlling behaviours used to gain power and strip away someone’s freedom and autonomy, like telling someone what to wear, who they can see, tracking where they go or isolating them from friends and family.
Stalking or harassment
Repeatedly following, contacting or tracking someone – online or in person. This can include turning up uninvited or sending unwanted messages or gifts.
Economic abuse
Controlling someone’s access to money or essentials, like taking their wages or benefits, forcing them into debt, controlling their spending or stopping them from working.
Threatening or intimidating behaviour
Using fear, pressure or threats to control what someone does, such as shouting, damaging property or threatening them or those around them.
Physical abuse
Any form of physical harm, including hitting, pushing, restraining or throwing objects.
Sexual abuse
Any sexual activity without consent, including manipulating, coercing or pressuring someone to do sexual things they don’t want to do.
‘Honour’-based abuse
Abuse driven by the belief that someone has brought shame or dishonour on their family or community. This includes forced marriage, where one or both people do not, or cannot, freely consent (including anyone under 18) and female genital mutilation, where the genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed with no medical reason.
The impact of domestic abuse
Ask the women and girls you know if they’ve ever felt controlled, manipulated, threatened or afraid in a relationship – based on the evidence, at least a quarter will say yes.
Domestic abuse is far more common than most people realise. Whether it’s emotional control, physical violence or constant fear of what might happen next, it's impact reaches far beyond any single place or moment. Abuse doesn’t only happen in the home – and it can start, continue or even escalate when a relationship ends. Its effects are felt by victims and survivors, their families and our society as a whole.
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Whether it happens once or over time, domestic abuse can affect every part of a person’s life, from their health and confidence to their safety and independence. Here are just some of the ways it can have a negative impact:
- It can cause physical injuries, as well as long-lasting health issues, including the severe and enduring effects of strangulation.
- It can cause psychological harm, including anxiety, depression, flashbacks, post-traumatic stress and, in some cases, suicide.
- Living with fear or control can make it hard to focus at work, keep up with studies or stay connected with friends and family.
- It can take away someone’s sense of safety and freedom, like feeling unable to relax at home, walk along the street at night or even leave the house without worrying about what might happen.
- Some people may have to leave their home for their own safety or rebuild their lives from the ground up.
If you’ve experienced abuse, you don’t have to face it alone. Support is available whenever you’re ready.
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Abusive behaviour has real consequences. Some people who behave abusively may not recognise that what they’re doing is abuse. They might not see the impact of their actions or realise how serious or damaging their behaviour has become. Perpetrating abuse can lead to:
- Losing the trust and respect of partners, family and friends.
- Being made to leave your home or stopped from seeing your children.
- Facing criminal charges which could result in penalties such as fines and/or imprisonment. Also, restraining orders can be made against you.
- Long-term damage to your work, reputation and future opportunities.
If you’re worried about your behaviour, it’s not too late to change. Support is available to help you understand your actions and learn how to stop.
How to change your behaviour
Need support?
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, or have been through it before, you don’t have to face it alone. Support is available – talking to someone can make a big difference.
You can help stop abuse
When abuse goes unchallenged, it can escalate. We all have a role to play in stopping violence against women and girls. Find out how you can help stop it.
Is it crossing the line?
We all think we know when something’s gone too far. But spotting the line isn’t always that easy. Some behaviours can seem harmless until you look closer.
See what crossing the line looks like, and how to change it.