Domestic Abuse

We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.

Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.

Witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse. If you're worried about a child, we have advice to help you keep them safe.

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.

If you're worried someone might see you have visited this page, the Women's Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.

Domestic abuse is behaviour from a family member, partner or ex-partner. It can include:

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• physical or sexual abuse

• violent or threatening behaviour

• psychological or emotional abuse

• coercive behaviour - for example, humiliation or intimidation

• controlling behaviour - for example, making someone feel less important or dependent on the abuser

• 'economic abuse' - this includes controlling someone's possessions or how they earn or spend money

If you have reported or are thinking about reporting rape or sexual abuse, it’s likely that you will have a lot of questions and may need more information before you can decide what to do.

If you have reported or are thinking about reporting rape or sexual abuse, it’s likely that you will have a lot of questions and may need more information before you can decide what to do.

Our Purpose

To deliver accessible, effective, specialist services that are informed by service users’ experiences.

To challenge inequality in access to safety, justice, h

ealth and wellbeing.

To campaign for social change, including shaping future policy and practice.

To work with communities through education and engagement to create a cultural shift in attitudes to domestic abuse, and better equip families to protect themselves.