What is domestic abuse?
Domestic violence and abuse is a pattern of behaviour designed to achieve power or control over another person.
This could be through physical violence, but can also be psychological, sexual, financial and emotional.
The signs of domestic abuse
These may not be as clear as you’d think as it can be about controlling someone’s mind and emotions, as much as hurting their body, for example:
- Bullying, threatening or controlling behaviour
- Controlling the money
- Cutting you off from family and friends
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
If you’re afraid of your girlfriend or boyfriend, that’s a big red flag. You might be scared to say what you think, to address certain topics, or to say no to doing something they want to do. No matter the reason, fear has no place in a healthy relationship.
The following signs could mean that your relationship is unhealthy, and you might want to consider getting help:
Bullying, threatening or controlling behaviour:
- Accuses you of cheating
- Tells you what to wear and how you should look
- Threatens to hurt you
- Throws things or punches walls when angry
- Yells at you and makes you feel small
Controlling money:
- Keeps cash and credit cards from you
- Puts you on an allowance and makes you explain every dollar you spend
- Keeps you from working whatever job you want
- Steals money from you or your friends
- Won’t let you have money for basic needs like food and clothes
Cutting you off from family and friends:
- Keeps close tabs on where you go and who with
- Makes you ask if it’s okay for you to go and see friends and family
- Embarrasses you in front of others, and it makes you want to avoid people
Physical abuse:
- Punches, pushes, kicks, bites, pulls hair
- Locks you in or out of somewhere
- Leaves you alone in a place you don’t know
- Attacks you with weapons
- Keeps you from eating, sleeping, or getting medical care
Sexual abuse:
- Forces you to have sex or do something sexual you don’t want to do
- Makes you dress in a sexual way
- Makes you feel like you owe them sex
- Tries to give you a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Won’t use condoms or birth control
Are the signs different for men?
Signs of domestic abuse against men are often the same, and that’s true whether the abusive partner is a woman or man. It may be emotional or verbal – like taking away keys, medicines or other essentials, or constantly putting you down in public or on social media. It can also be physical. To make up for differences in strength, abusive partners may attack you in your sleep, by surprise or with weapons and other objects. They may also abuse your children or pets.
Are the signs different for the LGBTQ+ community?
Many of the signs of domestic abuse are often the same, but the abuse may also target sexual orientation or gender identity. Your abuser may:
- Make excuses for abuse, like it’s just how men are or that you wanted it to happen
- Tell you that police or others won’t help because of your gender or orientation
- Tell you that you’re not really how you identify
- Threaten to out you to family, friends, and others
Getting help
In an emergency situation always call 999 for help.
If you are safe, but need to report a crime such as criminal damage, physical violence or sexual violence, call the Police on 101.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need support, please get in touch with the Stop Domestic Abuse service, our domestic abuse team, for advice and support on 023 9206 5494 or by email. Our experienced specialist team is on hand to discuss your concerns and needs, 9am – 9pm Monday to Friday and 10am – 6pm weekends and bank holidays. Contact can be by phone or face-to-face in a safe location.
