What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour or violence between adults in an intimate or family-type relationship.

This kind of behaviour can happen over a long period of time. Domestic abuse covers physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse.

It doesn’t matter what your, age, gender, race or sexuality is, how much you earn or where you come from – anyone can suffer abuse.

Indicators of Domestic Abuse

It may be possible to assess the likelihood of a partner or family member committing domestic abuse. The following signs are all associated with potential domestic abusers:

• Previous physical assault or abuse of animals.
• Previous sexual assault.
• Possessiveness, jealousy or 'stalking' behaviour.
• Misusing illegal or prescription drugs, alcohol or having a mental health problem.
• Threatening suicide.
• Threats or fantasies of homicide.

The longer that domestic abuse occurs, the greater the potential for violence.

Remember, you are not to blame for any abuse that is happening to you. If you need expert advice then speak to your local Domestic Abuse Officer or to an Independent Agency.