Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a personal or family relationship. The most prevalent type of domestic abuse occurs in personal relationships, but the definition of domestic abuse also covers abuse between family members, such as adolescent to parent violence and abuse.
It can include aspects of physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse to maintain power and control over another person. Coercive control is a type of domestic abuse that doesn’t necessarily result in physical violence and is recognised as a criminal offence. Abusive behaviour can occur even after a relationship has ended.
Honour based violence is used to describe a type of abuse perpetrated by family members in the name of so-called ‘honour’.
If someone is experiencing domestic abuse they may feel alone and believe they are to blame in some way. They may feel ashamed, scared, isolated, confused, afraid about not being believed or that the abuse will get worse if they report it.
Do not suffer in silence, there are people who can help. If you are in immediate danger call 999.
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