What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse, is present throughout society. It occurs in almost all cultures and countries and touches all elements of society regardless of wealth, race, religion, age and social class.

Almost all domestic abuse is directed by men against women but it can and does occur in lesbian and gay relationships, and in a minority of cases by women against men. Although this website can be used by anyone who is in a violent relationship, it is mainly addressing female victims.

Domestic abuse can be defined as physical, sexual, financial, emotional or psychological. The abuser may be a spouse, boyfriend, lover, partner, co-habitee, ex-partner, son, husband, father, brother, uncle or other close family member.

 

Types of abuse 

Physical: this may involve threats of violence, a single blow or slap, kicking, attempted strangulation, pushing, stabbing, burning and may lead to serious incidents of multiple assaults or murder.

Sexual: may involve sexual assault, rape, enforced pregnancy, degradation and coerced sexual activity

Financial: can include denial/deprivation of money, not being allowed to work

Emotional: isolation from friends, family, verbal and physical degradation, intimidation, verbal aggression, abuse of children, accusations of infidelity and using children against the mother

Psychological: may involve intimidating verbal threats, being told what and how to dress, sleep deprivation, destructive criticism

Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off event. Research indicates that it tends to increase with frequency and severity over time. Domestic abuse is a crime. 

GWR is committed to tackling domestic abuse. Victims of domestic abuse suffer on many levels - health, housing, education - and loose the freedom to live their lives in the way they wish, and without fear.