Domestic Abuse

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic Abuse, sometimes called Domestic Violence (DV) or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, and violent behavior, including sexual violence. It can occur between partners, ex-partners, family members, or carers.

Domestic Abuse takes many forms, including physical, psychological, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse. While it often occurs in intimate relationships, it can also happen in familial relationships, such as between adult siblings or adult children and their parents.

Anyone can be a victim of Domestic Abuse, and anyone can be a perpetrator. However, it remains a gendered crime, disproportionately affecting women.

How Widespread is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic Abuse is sadly prevalent:

• Approximately 1 in 5 adults will experience Domestic Abuse in their lifetime.
• This includes 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6-7 men.
• Domestic Abuse also affects children. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 legally recognises children as victims in their own right, with around 1 in 5 children experiencing Domestic Abuse during childhood.

Forms of Domestic Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is often the first thing people associate with Domestic Abuse, but it rarely starts with violence. Over time, abuse can escalate and take many forms, including:

• Punching, kicking, or hitting
• Hair pulling
• Strangulation, choking, or drowning attempts
• Destroying property (criminal damage)
• Pushing, shoving, or restraining
• Throwing objects
• Pinching, biting, or shaking someone
• Depriving someone of food, water, or essential needs
• Withholding prescribed medication
• Forcing someone to take illicit substances
• Hurting or threatening to harm pets

Emotional & Psychological Abuse

Emotional abuse can be difficult to recognise but is designed to control, isolate, or frighten the victim. Examples include:

• Telling someone what to wear or do
• Isolating the victim from friends and family
• Threatening or intimidating behaviour
• Blaming the victim for the abuse
• Humiliating, insulting, or belittling the victim

If you feel like you're "walking on eggshells," you may be experiencing emotional abuse.

Coercive & Controlling Behaviour

Coercive control is a criminal offence in the UK. It refers to an ongoing pattern of behaviour designed to manipulate, isolate, and dominate the victim. This can include:

• Monitoring the victim (e.g., tracking via technology)
• Dictating what they can wear, do, or who they can see
• Controlling their time and daily activities
• Preventing access to medical care or support
• Isolating them from loved ones
• Restricting access to money
• Repeatedly belittling or humiliating them

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse within relationships is often overlooked but includes a range of harmful behaviours, such as:

• Pressuring or forcing someone into sexual acts
• Rape or sexual assault
• Making someone have intercourse with another person
• Withholding affection as punishment
• Inflicting pain during sex without consent
• Taking or sharing sexual images without consent (e.g., "revenge porn")

For more information, visit our Sexual Violence page.

Financial & Economic Abuse

Economic abuse limits a victim's ability to leave an abusive relationship by restricting their financial independence. Examples include:

• Controlling the family finances
• Preventing the victim from working
• Denying access to bank accounts or money
• Forcing the victim to justify every expense

The Impact of Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse is devastating and, at its worst, can be fatal:

• In the year ending March 2024, 108 people were killed in Domestic Homicides, 77% of whom were women.
• Nearly 50% of suicide attempts in the UK are linked to Domestic Abuse.

Beyond physical harm, Domestic Abuse can deeply affect a victim's physical and mental health, employment, housing, and overall wellbeing. It also has a ripple effect, harming children, families, and communities.

Children who grow up in abusive households are more likely to experience or perpetrate abuse as adults. The UK Government estimates that Domestic Abuse costs society over £66 billion each year.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Domestic Abuse is the first step toward addressing it. By recognizing the signs and patterns of abuse, we can better support those affected and work toward prevention.

If you are a professional looking to enhance your knowledge and skills in this area, please consider our training courses or consultancy services.