Domestic violence / Abuse can be between current or former partners in an intimate relationship, or between a family member, wherever and whenever it occurs. The abuse may include physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse.

Physical violence can be:

• Biting
• Bruising
• Scalding
• Slapping/punching/kicking
• Starving

Sexual abuse can be:

• Rape
  
• Forced pregnancy/termination
  
• Withdrawal of contraception
  
• Enforced prostitution

Emotional abuse can be:

• Undermining/criticism
  
• Constant put downs
  
• Financial deprivation
  
• Constraints on going out, friendships, contacts
  
• Sleep deprivation
  
• Verbal abuse
  
• Controlling behaviour
  
• Constant and/or abusive texts/phone calls

Domestic abuse can take place across culture, religion, disability, gender, education, status, race, sexuality, age, class and nationality.