About domestic abuse
Domestic violence and abuse includes a range of abusive behaviours which are used by an abusive partner, ex-partner or family member to maintain power and control over the victim.
Not all abuse involves physical violence or threat. Controlling and coercive behaviour can also leave deep and lasting scars.
It's rarely a one-off incident but an ongoing pattern of behaviour and takes place regardless of social background, age, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity.
A legal definition of domestic abuse is provided in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.