Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is any incident of violence or abuse between people who have a relationship, or have had one in the past. For example:
- husband and wife,
- former partners, or
- family members – including in-laws or step family.
Adults of all ages, genders, races and sexualities can be affected. The term domestic violence only applies to people over 18 years of age. Children under 18 years of age can experience domestic violence, but this is usually called child abuse.
The term domestic abuse covers a range of different situations that can happen in your home or elsewhere. This includes threatening behaviour or abuse. This could be:
- physical abuse,
- emotional abuse,
- psychological abuse, or
- financial abuse.
Many forms of domestic abuse are also criminal offences. People who carry it out can be punished in a court of law.
Tagged under: Domestic abuse
Page last updated on July 23rd, 2012
