Domestic Violence is any incident of
threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are (or have been)
in a relationship together or between family members regardless of gender or
sexuality.
Domestic violence is not just
physical abuse, it can be;
-
emotional &
psychological – verbal abuse, threats, constant criticism,
sleep deprivation, threats to kill, isolation from friends / family,
controlling behaviour;
-
financial –
withholding money, controlling how money is spent;
-
sexual abuse – sexual degradation, rape, forced and unwanted
sexual practices;
-
stalking- harassment, following, abusive texting or calling.
Domestic violence occurs throughout
society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.
Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident. More
usually it is a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the
abuser seeks power over the victim.