What is domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is and incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members.

Children are also recognised as victims of domestic abuse if they see or hear or experience the effects of abusive behaviour.

There can be many types of domestic abuse:

Physical abuse

  • hitting, slapping, punching, kicking
  • pushing, shoving, or restraining
  • use of weapons or objects to cause harm
  • denying medical care
  • forcing substance use

Emotional or psychological abuse

  • constant criticism, humiliation, or name-calling
  • gaslighting (making someone doubt their reality)
  • isolation from friends, family, or support systems
  • threats to self-harm
  • threats to harm others or pets

Sexual abuse

  • non-consensual sexual activity
  • coercion into sexual acts
  • sexual degradation or humiliation
  • refusing to use protection or sabotaging contraception

Economic or financial abuse

  • controlling access to money or financial resources
  • preventing someone from working or studying
  • stealing or misusing money
  • forcing someone to take on debt

Coercive and controlling behaviour

  • monitoring movements, communications, or online activity
  • dictating what someone wears, eats, or does
  • making threats to control behaviour
  • enforcing rules and punishing disobedience

Digital or online abuse

  • harassment via social media, texts, or emails
  • sharing or threatening to share private images
  • tracking devices or spyware
  • impersonation or online shaming

'Honour'-based abuse

  • abuse linked to perceived shame or dishonour
  • forced marriage or threats of it
  • female genital mutilation (FGM)
  • violence for defying cultural expectations
     

If you are afraid or intimidated, or feel trapped in your relationship, these may be signs that you are a victim of domestic abuse. 

Domestic abuse is never your fault, and support is available to help you stay safe and regain control of your life.

Find out how to get help if you're a victim of domestic abuse

EXIT PAGE

Harmful practices

Harmful practices are a single act or pattern of abuse. They are motivated by the belief that a person has brought, or may bring, shame on the abuser, their family, or community by violating perceived social norms. This may include:

  • ‘honour’ based abuse
  • forced marriage
  • child marriage
  • female genital mutilation (FGM)
  • caste based abuse
  • virginity testing and hymenoplasty
  • dowry based abuse
  • spiritual abuse

If you are experiencing any of these types of abuse, Karma Nirvana provides specialist support for honour based abuse. 

Find out how to get help if you're a victim of domestic abuse 

EXIT PAGE