Domestic Abuse

Help for people experiencing domestic abuse

The term domestic abuse (or gender based abuse) covers a range of abusive behaviour that may occur within an intimate relationship. Often the person doing the abusing is male and the victim female, although this may not always be the case.

These things could be happening to you:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• emotional / mental abuse and contro
• financial abuse

Domestic abuse is one of the most common crimes in society. Nearly 30% (1 in 3) of all women are likely to suffer domestic abuse at some time during their life. It happens to all sorts of people. Once it starts it usually happens more and more often and can get worse over time.

Different kinds of abuse can often be used together over the course of a relationship. Domestic abuse takes away people's power and is a serious crime. No person should be able to do such things to someone.

• Are you experiencing domestic abuse?
• Are you afraid for yourself (or the safety of your family/children) because of someone else's behaviour?

Help is available. For more information go to our section: What help is there for domestic abuse?