Domestic abuse is a crime
1 in 4 women
1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their life time.
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of social background, age, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality. Studies show that the vast majority of victims of abuse are women.
It can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse ...
Domestic abuse involves the misuse of power and exercise of control by one person over another with whom there is or has been a close relationship. It can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse (being denied money), isolation (not being allowed out or talk to family or friends), sexual abuse, and threats e.g. to hurt children or themselves, to find you wherever you go.
Many abusers blame alcohol, drugs, unemployment, stress or ill health for their actions, however these are excuses and not the cause of abusive behaviour – which is power and control.
Women in abusive relationships may have low self esteem, a lack of self confidence, feel that the abuse is their fault, they feel trapped and that there is nowhere for them to go so they may leave a number of times but return to the abusive relationship.
Domestic abuse also affects children. They may see and hear it happening, they may be directly abused or caught in the crossfire, it affects their behaviour, they may have an unsettled feeling which will affect their confidence, physical and emotional wellbeing and their education.
