Many people tend to think domestic abuse is limited to the use of violence and intimidation but it is much more far reaching. The 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

It is not just violence. Abusive behaviour can involve damaging someone’s self-worth, controlling finances, manipulation, preventing someone from having friendships or hobbies, humiliation, making someone feel guilty about what they’re wearing and what they eat. The list goes on…