Women’s Aid, the national charity working towards ending domestic violence and abuse, define abusive behaviours as the following:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
- Psychological and/or emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online or digital abuse
Who can be affected by domestic violence and abuse?
Manchester Women’s Aid believe domestic violence and abuse is a gendered crime, but also acknowledge its effect on a minority of men.
Overwhelmingly, women are affected by domestic violence with “women (making up) 89% of all those who had experienced 4 or more incidents of domestic violence.”
Any woman can experience domestic violence and abuse regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, or disability, but some women who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and finding help.
I think I am a victim of domestic violence and abuse
If you think you are a victim of domestic violence and abuse, find out what you need to do to get help.
“For 85% of respondents the abuse they received online from a partner or ex-partner was part of a pattern of abuse they also experienced offline.” - Women’s Aid.
Helping victims become survivors
Manchester Women’s Aid works with victims of domestic violence and abuse to help them move on and live a life free from fear. Throughout our site you’ll see reference to ‘domestic violence and abuse survivors’. We use this term to reinforce that, whilst you are suffering now, we have the resources, staff and knowledge to help you move on and live a happier, safer life.
The cross Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
Any incident 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
Controlling behaviour
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploring their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behavior.
Coercive behaviour
Coercive behaviour is an act or pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim.