Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse

Short Definition:

The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.’

Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• financial abuse
• coercive control and gaslighting / emotional abuse
• digital / online abuse
• ‘honour-based’ violence
• forced marriage
• female genital mutilation (FGM).

Useful Links & Further Resources:

• https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
• https://www.womensaid.org.uk
• https://www.gov.uk
• https://www.nspcc.org.uk
• https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuse/
• Refuge
• Women’s Aid
• Galop — support for LGBT victims
• Men’s Advice Line
• Rape Crisis
• Iranian & Kurdish women’s Rights organisation (BME organisation on forced marriage, honour-based violence and FGM)
• Southall Black Sisters (forced marriage, honour-based violence)
• Karma Nirvana (support for FGM)
• Forward (support for FGM)
• Deafhope — UK sign language service to help deaf women and children who are victims of domestic abuse
• NSPCC
• Respect — UK membership organisation for work with domestic violence perpetrators, male victims and young people
• Paladin — support for victims of stalking in England and Wales