Symptoms: Domestic Violence
Types of domestic violence or abuse
Domestic violence or abuse can be characterised by any of the indicators of abuse outlined in this briefing relating to:
psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional
Domestic violence and abuse includes any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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. It also includes so called ‘honour’ -based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.
Coercive or controlling behaviour is a core part of domestic violence. Coercive behaviour can include:
acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation
harming, punishing, or frightening the person
isolating the person from sources of support
exploitation of resources or money
preventing the person from escaping abuse
regulating everyday behaviour
Possible indicators of domestic violence or abuse
Low self-esteem
Feeling that the abuse is their fault when it is not
Physical evidence of violence such as bruising, cuts, broken bones
Limited access to money
Verbal abuse and humiliation in front of others
Fear of outside intervention
Damage to home or property
Isolation – not seeing friends and family
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