Domestic abuse is a broad topic that focuses on various forms of abuse that occur in a domestic setting, typically the family home. Domestic abuse can affect anyone from any background regardless of age, gender, economic class, race or religion.

Without knowing the various forms domestic abuse can take, victims of domestic abuse may not recognise that they are being abused, or they may have been led by the abuser to believe that it is their fault.

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical acts of violence and can include a varying list of behaviours that are used to degrade and control victims of abuse. Domestic Abuse is never the fault of the victim.

The most common types of abuse are;

  • Physical – such as hitting, restraining, shoving or throwing objects;
  • Financial – such as taking wages, placing the victim in debt or stopping them working;
  • Sexual – such as forced or non-consensual sex as well as coercing or forcing the victim into having sex with others or performing sexual acts they do not wish to do;
  • Psychological – such as name-calling, threats and blaming the victim for the abuse;
  • Technological – such as controlling social media, tracking the victim with spyware or sharing videos or pictures of them online without permission.
  • Controlling behaviour– act(s) which make a person subordinate or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
  • Coercive behaviour – act(s) of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten the victim.

There are other forms of abuse.

Where can I get help if I am a victim of domestic abuse?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and you, or someone else is in immediate danger then you should call the police on 999 immediately. If you are unable to talk on the phone, you can use the Silent Solution system by calling 999 then, instead of speaking to the operator, pressing 55. The operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency.

There are also many charities and helplines dedicated to victims of domestic abuse. Check our previous blog on Covid-19 implications for victims of domestic abuse, here, which contains a list of organisations that are able to provide help and support victims of domestic abuse

How can a legal expert help?

At Fisher Jones Greenwood we can also help you with various remedies to protect you from abuse including; divorce and separation, Non-molestation orders to protect you and your children from certain behaviour, or an occupation order which regulates occupation of the family home and can also order one person to leave.

If you would like advice about Domestic Abuse issues, please contact our Family Team at 01206 700113 or email [email protected].