Domestic violence can begin at any stage of a relationship. It can take many forms not just physical and sexual attacks but also bullying, threats, mental and verbal abuse, humiliation and controlling behaviour. It is the misuse of power and control.

It is usually experienced by women but men can also experience violence and abuse from their women partners, as can partners in same gender relationships. It can happen in other family relationships as well.

Domestic violence is rarely a one off event. It tends to escalate in frequency and severity over time. Children in violent relationships are always affected both witnessing the abuse of another and being themselves abused as part of the pattern of power and control. It cuts across all boundaries of social group, class, age, race, disability, sexuality and lifestyle.

Don’t accept violent and abusive behaviour because you think or have been told it is your fault. Violence and abuse is always the responsibility of the abuser.

Don’t accept violent and abusive behaviour because you don’t know what else to do.