What is domestic abuse?

Find out about Domestic Abuse.

Domestic abuse or domestic violence is not just about physical abuse. It can also be emotional, sexual and financial abuse and is often a combination of these. It knows no boundaries and is experienced regardless of class, age, race or religion.

Unlike other forms of violence, those involved know each other, often as current or previous intimate partners. They may live together or be separated.

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are assaulted by (ex) partners
• 1 in 3 marriages that end in divorce involve domestic abuse
• Domestic abuse is experienced regardless of class, age, race or religion.
• 2 women a week are killed by (ex) partners
• On average a woman will have been assaulted 35 times before she reports it to the Police
• Domestic abuse usually increases over time
• Domestic abuse often continues after separation
• The risk increases at the point of leaving the relationship
• It often starts or escalates during pregnancy.

The Home Office define domestic abuse as:

Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults* who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

*An adult is defined as any person aged 18 years or over. Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws or step family.