How can I tell if I am experiencing domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can take many forms ranging between psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional between people who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
You may be suffering domestic abuse if you are experiencing any of the following:
Psychological
- Name calling
- Threats
- Isolation from friends and family
- Constant checks on where you are
Physical
- Hitting, punching, kicking, slapping
- Throwing or smashing things
- Strangulation, choking, biting, pulling hair
- Cutting, stabbing, burning, drowning
Sexual
- Making you do sexual things that you do not want to do
- Rape
- Refusal to practice safe sex
- Deliberate infliction of STIs
Financial
- Taking your money from you
- Not allowing you to have a job
- Checking what you spend money on
- Keeping you short of money
Emotional
- Constant criticism
- Using the children to convey threats
- Harming pets
- Making fun of you in front of their friends
Domestic abuse is a repeated pattern of behaviour that often escalates in occurrence and severity over time. If you are suffering domestic abuse, remember that it is not your fault and there are a range of services available that could help you – everyone has the right to feel safe.
In an emergency always dial 999