Domestic Violence

What is domestic abuse?

What is domestic abuse? - click here

It might not always be obvious if what's happening at home is domestic abuse. But if somebody in your family uses bullying or violence to get another adult to do what they want, that's domestic abuse.

It can include:

• Physical violence
  Like hitting, kicking, punching, pushing, hair-pulling.
• Threats
  This includes threatening to hurt you, another person in your family, or a pet. Or threatening to stop money for food or bills.
• Sexual violence
  Making another person do something sexual when they don't want to, or making someone watch sexual material on the internet or television.
• Controlling someone's finances
  This includes not allowing somebody to spend their own money. Or not giving them money for basic things such as food, nappies for babies, or clothes.
• Controlling someone's life
  This could include stopping someone from going to work or school.
• Cultural or 'honour' violence
  This includes being hurt or abused as a punishment for something that's not seen as culturally acceptable by your community or family. It can include being forced to marry someone.

For parents

If you're an adult experiencing domestic abuse, there are organisations that can help.

• Relate
  0300 003 0396
  You can talk to Relate about your relationship, including issues around domestic abuse.
• National Domestic Violence Helpline
  0808 2000 247
  A 24 hour free helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.
• Men's Advice Line
  0808 801 0327
  Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
• National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
  0800 999 5428
  Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.

For children and young people

Domestic Abuse, Revovering Together (DART™) is a therapeutic service for mothers and children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Find out more about all the NSPCC services for children, including how to get in touch with ones in your area.

The Hide Out, created by Women's Aid, is a space to help children and young people understand abuse. It also helps them learn how to take positive action.