Domestic violence, which is also known as intimate partner violence, is a form of violence that can occur within any relationship. There are many different types of domestic violence, including social, physical and emotional. Finding out and organisations that can help you are important steps.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, happens in many forms including physical, emotional and economic violence, and can affect people of any age. It does not have to be within the home to be classified as domestic violence. It is a form of violence that can occur within any relationship (family or intimate partner). Domestic violence is about power and control and there are many ways this control can be expressed.
If someone is hurting you it can be very scary and it may be hard to know how you can stop it. It is important to remember that no one has the right to be violent towards you and there are people out there who can help.
Types of intimate partner violence
Below are some of the forms that domestic violence may take:
Physical - If someone is hurting you, or threatening to hurt you, a loved one or a pet, then you will need to take some action. For more information about what physical abuse is, see ‘What is physical abuse?’
Emotional - This form of violence is often unrecognised and can be very hurtful. To find out more about emotional abuse, read ‘What is emotional abuse?’
Economic - Having money and being able to make decisions about it, is one means of being independent. If someone is controlling your money, keeping you financially dependent, or making you ask for money unreasonably, then this is a form of violence
Social – Social violence occurs in relationships that often include other forms of violence. If someone is insulting you or teasing you in front of other people, keeping you isolated from family and friends, controlling what you do and where you go, then they are being violent and you may need to take some action