Domestic abuse can take many forms, including controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour and it can also include sexual violence and rape. It also extends to psychological and emotional abuse and financial control. It can also be carried out online as well as in person. In most cases the perpetrator will be a partner or ex-partner, but they may also be a family member or carer. Unfortunately, one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence or abuse at some point in their lifetime.
If you are unsure whether you or someone else is experiencing domestic abuse, take a look at this checklist from the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership: https://pdap.co.uk/about-domestic-abuse/
The UK Government's current definition of domestic abuse 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.’ Legislation.gov.uk website