Concerning Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is defined by the Government as: “any incident of threatening behaviour, abuse or violence. This covers psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.”

Domestic abuse has many forms, the most obvious ones being physical abuse: things like punching, slapping, grabbing, pushing, hair pulling or non-consensual sexual activity. Domestic abuse is not always physical, it can take other forms. It can include threats, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, verbal insults, emotional abuse (dominating and controlling relationships), stalking and financial deprivation. 

Domestic abuse cuts across all boundaries of gender, social demographics, race, religion, and lifestyle. It can affect anyone. Abuse can also take place between family members. Domestic abuse can also cause and put at risk children in the household. When this happens there needs to be procedures and practices put in place to tackle this effectively.