Domestic abuse includes both violent and non-violent behaviour and can be committed by a partner or family member.
If you are forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner or family member’s reaction, you are being abused.
The 2013 cross-government definition of domestic abuse is: 'any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality'.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
The Government definition also outlines the following:
- Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
- Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
- It also includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.
Find out about Domestic Homicide Reviews here.
For more information please visit Domestic Abuse (sefton.gov.uk) (webpage opens in new window)
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Please watch the video below produced by NHS England Safeguarding Team, to help people understand what Domestic Abuse could look like and where to find support.
Domestic Abuse Factsheets
Below you will find some Factsheet of information relating to Domestic Abuse:
Individual stories of Domestic Abuse
Below are two videos of both male and female victims sharing their story of Domestic Abuse
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NHS video where two women describe their experiences of Domestic Abuse and how they found the strength and support to leave their situation.
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Sky News video of a male victim describing the Domestic Abuse suffered at the hands of his wife.
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