What is Domestic Abuse?

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is when one person uses controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour towards another person aged 16 years or over, and are personally connected. This can be current or ex-partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Domestic abuse is unacceptable in any situation, no matter what stresses you are under. For anyone who feels they are at risk of abuse, it is important to remember that there is help and support available to you.

Coercive Control

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviors employed by an individual to dominate, manipulate, and intimidate another person within a relationship. Unlike isolated incidents, it involves a sustained and insidious manipulation that undermines the victim's autonomy, self-esteem, and freedom. Coercive control encompasses various tactics such as isolation, surveillance, psychological abuse, financial control, and threats, all aimed at fostering dependency and fear. Recognized as a form of domestic abuse, coercive control highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the subtle yet profound ways in which power dynamics can be exploited to harm individuals emotionally and psychologically.

Get help now