Domestic abuse is not just physical. It includes psychological and emotional abuse, such as controlling, coercive, threatening and degrading behaviour. It is usually carried out by a partner or ex-partner, but could also be by a family member or carer.
It can also include, but is not limited to:
- financial / economic abuse
- online and /or digital abuse
- isolating them from their friends and family
- making threats to children or pets
- controlling who they see or what they do
- sexual violence
Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
Living with domestic abuse can cause long term emotional, psychological and / or physical harm.
Despite the fact that domestic abuse is common, it is under-reported. Some people may not be aware that what is happening to them is domestic abuse. Some people do not tell anyone because they feel ashamed or that in some way it is their fault, but this is never the case.
If you are being abused, you are not alone, and it is not your fault.
Economic abuse
Economic abuse is a legally recognised form of domestic abuse. It often takes place in the context of intimate partner violence. It involves the control of a partner or ex-partner’s money, finances and things that money can buy, such as clothing, transport, food and a place to live.
Your bank may be able to support you to take back control of your finances.
The Banking Support Directory website includes information about the support that some of the major banks and building societies can offer if you have experienced economic abuse. You can also find out more about the Banking Support Directory for economic abuse survivors on YouTube.