What is Domestic Abuse?

Everyone has the right to live a life free from fear and harm

What is domestic abuse?

The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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.

This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following:

Coercive Control
Psychological and/or Emotional Abuse
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Financial or Economic Abuse
Harassment and Stalking
Tech/Online Abuse

Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

Domestic Abuse includes 'honour’ based violence (HBV), female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage (FM).

Domestic abuse does not have any boundaries - it can happen to anyone and anybody can be an abuser, regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender, religion or belief, and sexuality. Whilst domestic abuse occurs in all relationships, evidence shows the vast majority of domestic abuse incidents are carried out by men and experienced by women.

Whilst the government definition applies to those aged 16 or above young people under 16 can be in abusive relationships.

Safer Places recognises that survivors of domestic abuse who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and accessing support.

If you are being abused, remember you are not alone.

We can help you by providing advice and support with:

Improving your safety
Emotional support
Housing and homelessness
Finances and welfare benefits
Access to legal services
Support reporting abuse if you choose to
Parenting and children
Immigration and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)

If you are in immediate danger contact the police on 999

To find out more about how we can help please see our accommodation and outreach services.

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