Signs of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is not a one-off incident, but an ongoing pattern of behaviour in the relationship. It includes a range of behaviours which, once begun, repeats and often gets worse over time.
Anyone can be a victim regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation.
Read the definition of Domestic Abuse on GOV.uk
In an unhealthy relationship, you feel:
- frightened
- intimidated
- isolated
- ashamed
Your partner or family member:
- threatens you
- makes all the decisions
- controls you
- blames you
- threatens to harm others
- humiliates you
People do not leave abusive relationships because they:
- may feel lonely, confused, frightened and ashamed
- worry leaving will make things worse
- believe that the perpetrator can get help and fix the relationship
- face threats (for example, violence or having children taken away)
- may have to start again, including moving and leaving their job
- do not believe they are in an abusive relationship
- make excuses for bad behaviour as time goes on
- still love their partner of family member