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Domestic abuse involves any single incident or pattern of conduct where someone’s behaviour towards another is abusive, and where the people involved are aged 16 or over and are, or have been, personally connected to each other (regardless of gender or sexuality).

The abuse can be, but is not limited to:

  • psychological
  • physical
  • sexual
  • financial
  • emotional
  • violent
  • threatening
  • controlling
  • coercive behaviour.

Personal connection means the individuals concerned:

  • Are due to be, are currently, or have been, married or civil partners to each other
  • are, or have been in an intimate personal relationship with each other
  • are, or have been parents (or had a parental relationship) to the same child
  • are relatives

If you are in fear of a partner, ex-partner or member of your family, you might be experiencing domestic abuse.