What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is a violation of basic human rights and a form of gender-based violence.
Domestic abuse occurs when a person or group of people uses a pattern of coercion, violence or threatening behaviour to control and frighten an intimate partner or family member. It can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, intimidation, manipulation and humiliation.
Domestic abuse is prevalent across the world and in the UK. Anyone can be subjected to domestic abuse, it affects people regardless of socio-economic background, race, faith, sexuality and gender. However, domestic abuse is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men against women.
Domestic abuse statistics
1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime;
2 million adults aged 16 to 59 years experience domestic abuse in the UK every year (1.3 million women, 695,000 men);
750,000 children are exposed to domestic abuse a year
Domestic abuse occurs in approximately 25%-38% of same-sex relationships;
Transgender individuals may be at even higher risk with some research suggesting 80% of transgender people have experienced abusive behaviour from a partner or former partner.