What is domestic abuse?

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Domestic abuse is a form of controlling and aggressive behaviour carried out by partners (or ex-partners) and can include:

• physical abuse, such as assault and physical attack
• sexual abuse, and
• mental and emotional abuse.

This abuse may get worse during pregnancy. Below are examples of what form this abuse may take - but remember it's not exhaustive - you may suffer from other forms of abuse.

If you want advice or help, please phone and talk to us on 0141 887 7227.

Emotional

• verbal
• humiliation - often in front of the children
• controlling and monitoring the woman's movements
• playing mind games
• distorting the woman's sense of perspective
• rejection
• denying her sleep
• threatening deportation
• extreme jealousy and possessiveness

Physical

• slapping
• pushing
• kicking
• hitting head of floors or walls
• assault with a weapon
• stabbing
• choking
• thrown downstairs
• holding under water
• neglect
• suffocated

Sexual

• rape (including vaginally, anally and orally)
• sexual assault
• unwanted sexual intimacy
• penetration with objects
• coercive involvement in acts of pornography or unwanted sexual acts
• forced to get pregnant or have an abortion
• prostitution

Economic

• keeping women and children short of food/clothing
• controlling family income
• not allowing woman to work

No one deserves to be abused and you don't have to live with it. Women and Children First is a project which could help you. If you would like more information or advice from them please contact them by:

email: woman.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk
phone: 0141 887 7227


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