What is domestic violence and abuse?
Any violent, abusive or controlling behaviour by someone close to you - usually a partner or an ex-partner or a family member – is domestic violence and abuse. The abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or financial. It can include bullying, threats, humiliation and isolation – you can experience domestic violence and abuse without having broken bones or bruises.
All children and young people living with domestic violence and abuse are also at risk of emotional harm and in some cases may be directly abused as well.
Who experiences domestic violence and abuse?
ANYONE can experience domestic violence and abuse - it can occur regardless of ethnicity, religion, class, gender, age, sexuality, disability or lifestyle. It can also occur in a range of relationships including heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender. Stop Abuse For Everyone aims to support all sections of the community.