Domestic abuse (also called domestic violence or intimate partner violence) is a series of abusive actions committed within a relationship that are:

• Coercive/Gaslighting/Oppressive
• Emotionally/Sexually abusive
• Threatening/Bullying
• Degrading
• Violent
• Abusive online/Stalking
• Limiting use of technology/Controlling phones etc.
• Financially coercive
• Isolating

In the vast majority of cases, the abuse is perpetrated by the male partner against the female but this is not always the case and this abuse can take place with a female perpetrator and within same sex relationships. This abuse can happen at any age and in any social demographic but it is important that the person experiencing the abuse knows that it is not their fault.

Domestic abuse is a crime and the Domestic Abuse Act recognised that all children in households where domestic abuse takes place are also victims.

Refuge suggests the following warning signs:

• Is your partner jealous and possessive?
• Is he/she charming one minute and abusive the next?
• Does he/she tell you what to wear, where to go, what to do, who to see?
• Does he/she constantly put you down?
• Does he/she play mind games and make you doubt your judgment?
• Does he/she control your money, or make sure you are dependent on him for everyday things?
• Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making him/her angry?
• Does he/she control your access to medicine, devices or care that you need? 
• Does he/she monitor or track your movements or messages?
• Does he/she use anger and intimidation to frighten and control you?