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What is domestic abuse?

The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is ‘any 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 regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.’

Domestic abuse can take different forms, including:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Coercive and controlling behaviour, and gaslighting/emotional abuse
• Digital/online abuse
• So-called ‘honour based’ violence
• Forced marriage
• Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Get help now

If you need to speak to someone, support is available every day and night. Call a free and 24-hour support line now on 0808 1689 111 or start a live chat any time.

Find out the different ways you can get confidential and free support now.