Domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence happens when your partner/expartner or other family member hurts or threatens to hurt you.

It may include:

• Physical abuse - hitting, slapping, punching, biting, hair pulling, burning
• Emotional/psychological abuse - put-downs, verbal abuse and humiliation, blaming, isolation from family and friends
• Sexual abuse - rape, unwanted sexual contact, forcing sex with others, making you watch/take part in pornography
• Financial abuse - having to account for everything you spend, being kept without money, preventing you from getting/keeping a job
• Harassment - being watched, being followed, being pestered, receiving unwanted phone calls or text messages

Any person can experience domestic violence regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality, disability or lifestyle.

If you think you are in an abusive relationship and want to stop the violence or leave, there are a number of agencies that can help you. You are not
alone and you are not to blame.

Support and advice are available for you and your family.