Type of domestic abuse

Emotional abuse and mental abuse

When you experience any behaviour or action that causes emotional or mental discomfort, such as threats, insults, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or stalking, it is considered emotional abuse or mental abuse.

Some examples of sexual abuse are:

  • Threatening you into unwanted sexual activity.

  • Pressuring or forcing you to have sex or perform sexual acts.

  • Using sexual insults toward you.

Financial abuse

When you do not have complete control over your finances or when money is used to manipulate you, it's referred to as financial or economic abuse.

Some examples of financial abuse are:

  • Giving you a small allowance and criticising what you purchase.

  • Putting your money in their account and keeping it from you.

  • Refusing to provide you money for clothing, rent, food, or medical expenses.

Coercive control

Coercive control is when you suffer a pattern of threats, degradation, isolation used to control, subordinate make you dependent. Controlling or coercive behaviour is now a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015.

Some examples of coercive control are:

  • Making unreasonable demands.

  • Restricting your daily activities.

  • Isolating you from your friends and family.

  • Blackmailing you.

Digital abuse

Digital abuse refers to the use of technology, including text messages and social media platforms, to abuse, harass, spy on, or threaten you. In most cases, this type of abuse is verbal or emotional.

Some examples of digital abuse are:

  • Giving you a small allowance and criticising what you purchase

  • Putting your money in their account and keeping it from you.

  • Refusing to provide you money for clothing, rent, food, or medical expenses.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is any action that coerces you into engaging in sexual activity against your will.

Some examples of sexual abuse are:

  • Making offensive sexual remarks about you.

  • Intimidating you into engaging in unwanted sexual activities.

  • Pressuring you into making pornographic content.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is when your partner or a member of his/her family uses violence or makes unwelcome physical contact with you.

Some examples of physical abuse are:

  • Scratching, punching, or biting you.

  • Throwing something at you.

  • Physically blocking your exit or compelling you to go somewhere.