Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour designed to control someone. It can happen at any point in a relationship, including after you have split up. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity, and it can take different forms:
- physical abuse
- sexual abuse
- financial abuse
- coercive and controlling behaviour, including gaslighting and emotional abuse
- digital/online abuse
- so-called ‘honour-based’ violence
- forced marriage
- female genital mutilation (FGM).