Are You Abused?
What is Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse/violence is a pattern of controlling behavior which can be coercive and threatening that is used by one person over another within a close/intimate relationship.
It exists across all social classes, in all countries and there is not a particular type of person it happens to. Abuse can begin at any time — at the beginning of a relationship or after many years together.
There are four main categories of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse, which includes gaslighting, coercive control and digital abuse
- Financial abuse
- Sexual abuse
Each woman’s experience is individual. We recognize that most women who are abused will experience one or more forms of abuse. Some forms of abuse can be hard to define but if you are anxious or frightened when you are with your partner, then that relationship is not healthy
Underpinning domestic abuse is the abuser’s need for power and control over their partner.
Women’s Stories “I was curled into a ball on the floor, bruised and aching all over from the kicking. I was four months pregnant with our first child but had another miscarriage only four months ago. I was afraid to…
Why Women Stay Many women don't necessarily want to leave the relationship; they just want the violence to stop. There are a variety of reasons why someone remains in an abusive relationship but one of the central reasons is fear:…
Sexual Abuse Where there is a dynamic of control and abuse in an intimate relationship, the likelihood of sexual coercion and abuse is high. It is harder for women who are being abused by their partner to negotiate a free…
Profile of an Abuser Profiles and Behaviours of an Abusive Partner Emotionally and verbally abusive: • He may use silence as a technique to manipulate you• He may use silent phone calls to intimidate you, damage property or pets or…
Physical Abuse Physical abuse is the most identifiable form of abuse but can range from subtle to life-threatening. It can involve: • Pulling your hair• Using household items as weapons, such as throwing an egg or phone at you• Pinching…
How Children Are Affected Children are also the victims of domestic violence both directly and indirectly. Children’s experiences, reactions and responses vary, with some children being affected far more than others, and children within the same family can be affected…
Financial Abuse This is a form of domestic violence in which the abuser uses money as a means of controlling his partner. It is a tactic that abusers use to gain power and dominance over their partners and is designed…
Emotional or Psychological Abuse Emotional Abuse is a highly effective means of establishing a power imbalance within a relationship and is as harmful as physical violence. It includes: • Constantly being put down and criticized, in private and public.• Not…
