Domestic abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act (2021) defines Domestic Abuse as:

"Domestic abuse is any single incident, course of conduct or pattern of abusive behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are 'personally connected' to each other as a result of being, or having been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. Children who see, hear or experience the effects of the abuse and are related to either of the parties are also considered victims of domestic abuse".

Behaviour is "abusive" if it consists of any of the following:

• Physical
• Sexual
• Violent or threatening behaviour
• Controlling behaviour (an act designed to make a person subordinate and / or dependent on the abuser)
• Coercive behaviour (an act or pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim)
• Economic abuse
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

This includes incidents where the abusive party directs their behaviour at another person (for example, a child). Economic abuse means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on someone's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or obtain goods or services.

If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse, please remember it is NOT your fault. You are not alone, and support is available.

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