Domestic abuse is any single incident, course of conduct or pattern of abusive behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are “personally connected” to each other. They could be intimate partners or family members. Children who see, hear or experience the effects of the abuse and are related to either of the parties are also considered victims of domestic abuse.
Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following:
- physical or sexual abuse;
- violent or threatening behaviour;
- controlling or coercive behaviour;
- economic abuse; or
- psychological or emotional abuse.
If you, or the person you are concerned about, are in immediate danger please call the emergency services on 999.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse you can find a list of services that can support you and provide further information in our service directory.