DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE 

Domestic abuse is not about physical violence alone. It also includes control, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, financial control and isolation tactics. Most victims do not actually feel as though they are being abused until something happens that brings it all into perspective. This can be from police involvement to feeling lost in one's self and alone.  

Examples of abuse are as follows (this list is not comprehensive by any means):

• Being kicked, punched, slapped, pulled, shoved etc. This may be alongside belittling and humiliation. 

• Checking up on your whereabouts constantly.

• Preventing you from seeing family members, friends and anybody that you may associate with.

• Shouting and screaming constantly.

• Telling you that you are not good enough or substandard to other partners (not "man" enough or inadequate).

• Blaming you for their issues and anything that goes wrong.

• Threatening and intimidation. The family may be used, where men are threatened that they will not see their children.

• Threats to show you up to family members or spread rumours about you.

• Threats to police with false claims.

• Controlling all money and expecting permission to spend.

• Forcing sexual advances.  

• The pressure of sex constantly.