Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is the physical, mental and/or sexual abuse of a woman by someone with whom she is, or has been in a relationship with.

Is this happening to you or someone you know?

If someone close to you is being violent toward you, you are not alone. Between 1 in 3 and 1 in 5 women in this country will experience domestic abuse at some time in their lives.

On this page, there is information about organisations that can provide you with help and support to make the best decision for you. Within this site, you can also find detailed information about each of the organisations and the different ways that you can get in touch with them.

Domestic abuse can happen to any woman

Domestic abuse can happen to any woman, regardless of her social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or lifestyle. The abuse can happen in heterosexual or lesbian relationships and can begin in a new relationships or after many years spent together.

Physical abuse can include slapping, punching, strangling, using weapons, scalding and burning.
Mental abuse can include being forced to take part in sex acts against your will, being sexually assaulted with objects, being raped.
Witnessing the abuse of their mother is emotional abuse of children and there are links between domestic abuse and all forms of child abuse.

(Adapted from Scottish Women’s Aid – April 2002)

More information about organisations that can offer help and support

Domestic Abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Is this happening to you or someone you know?

Domestic abuse can happen to any woman

Support

info for women