Renfrewshire Council

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.