< Go Back What Is Domestic Abuse And How Do I Know If I Need Help? Posted: Nov 30, 2020 On average, the police receive over 100 calls relating to domestic abuse every hour of the day. Almost 1 in 3 women aged between 16 and 59 will experience it in their lifetime, but it’s not just women who are domestically abused. Around 15% of all victims of domestic abuse are men, but what is domestic abuse and how do you recognise it so you know if you need help?
What Is Domestic Abuse? Domestic abuse is more than just a husband and wife having a heated row. It goes way beyond that and can run much deeper. It’s not always easy to see, but it’s important to know what to look for.
Simply put, domestic abuse is the abuse of one partner within an intimate or family relationship. That abuse comes in the form of repeated, random, and habitual use of intimidation to control them or exert power over them. It doesn’t have to be physical abuse either.
Types Of Abuse Abuse can come in the form of verbal, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. If you feel forced to alter your behaviour because you’re scared of the reaction of your partner, even if it happens just once, then that is classed as abuse. It can even include honour-based abuse or forced marriage. Abuse victims come from all cultures, ages, ethnicity, genders, sexual orientation, and social standing.
Emotional abuse, sometimes referred to as psychological abuse, doesn’t involve physical violence but can be just as impactful. It might manifest itself as threats, intimidation, or control of their movements. When these patterns are repeated over and over, the impact of the abuse can chip away at someone’s sense of self.
Sexual abuse can include not just physical contact, but the use of photographs, video, and words where it takes place without the victim's full (or informed) consent. This applies even if they might have consented previously. Sexual abuse also includes being forced into sexual practices that they find degrading or withholding access to contraception.
Abusive partners also use finances as a form of abuse, which is known as economic abuse. It’s used as a way of controlling the victim's access to money, either in terms of acquiring it, using it, or managing it. It can mean the victim isn’t allowed to earn money. They’ll be banned from being able to work or have their benefits taken away from them. An abusive partner may even take the money their victim has and spend it without asking them. They may also build up debts in the victim's name and damage their property or possessions. Even when relationships end, the financial abuse can continue, maintenance or child payments being withheld, for example.
There are several support organisations and refuges who can help you if you’re being abused, or know someone who is. You can also talk to your doctor, midwife, health visitor, or the police. You can also speak to a family Law solicitor who will be experienced in helping people who have experienced domestic abuse. It’s never too early, or too late, to ask for help if you need it. We all deserve to live a life that’s free from abuse, so please reach out if necessary.
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