Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse, also called "domestic violence" or "intimate partner violence", can be defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.

Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviours that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone.

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating.

Victims of domestic abuse may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member.

Remember

• You are not alone.

• Assault is a criminal offence – no one has no right to beat, verbally or sexually abuse you or your children.

• You are not responsible for the abuse, and you are not to blame – it is your abuser who must take responsibility for their actions.

• Violence is never the way to solve a conflict in the home.

• You can survive and move on from an abusive relationship.

• It would help if you weren’t afraid to ask for help.

We are here to help.