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Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, and financial. It also includes what is known as 'honour' based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage.
Domestic abuse affects people of every class, gender, level of wealth, geography, age, race, disability and sexuality. The violence can begin at any stage of a relationship and may continue after the relationship has ended. It is a pattern of controlling and aggressive behaviour that is intentional and calculated to exercise power and control within a relationship.
Read more in our easy-to-read guide on domestic abuse
From time to time, people have disagreements with their partners, family members and others close to them. However, if a person's response is harmful, hurtful and/or frightening towards you, and they may have started to form a pattern of abusive behaviour and are controlling, this is domestic violence and abuse.
Recognise the signs of domestic abuse
If your abuser is threatening you, hitting you (slapping, punching, pushing, kicking you), threatening to use - or has used - a weapon against you (including everyday household objects) or threatening to kill you, call the police on 999. (See advice below when you are unable to speak to the emergency telephone operator).
Am I in an abusive relationship?
There is now a statutory or legal definition for domestic abuse, created by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. For further information visit Legislation.gov.uk or the Home Office website.
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