Overview
Domestic abuse can be any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour or violence. It's experienced by those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
Incidents experienced by those under 16 would be called child abuse.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:
- coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- psychological or emotional abuse
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- financial abuse
- harassment
- stalking
- online or digital abuse