What is domestic abuse?
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 0300 300 0345.
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.