Domestic abuse is defined as the abusive behaviour of a person towards another person, regardless of gender or sexuality, if both are aged 16 or over and are personally connected.
Domestic abuse may involve:
Domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships
Warning signs
There are many signs and indicators of an abusive relationship. These may include:
- being in fear of a partner or family member
- low-self-worth
- being blamed for the abusive behaviour
- having physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, and broken bones
- being humiliated, criticised and ‘put down’
- being treated as an object or piece of property
- separation from friends, family or sources of support
- limited access to money
- having belongings destroyed by the abusive person.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse please report it.
If someone is in immediate danger call 999.