Domestic abuse occurs when someone in a family or relationship threatens, bullies, hurts or controls another member of the family. The abuse can be physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or financial.
All types of family members have been known to commit domestic abuse including mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, in-laws and step-family.
How does it affect children?
- Domestic violence may teach children to use violence
- Violence can affect children in serious and long-lasting ways
- Where there is domestic abuse there is often child abuse
- Children will often blame themselves for domestic abuse
- Alcohol misuse is very common contributing factor when violence occurs in families
- Pregnant women are more vulnerable to domestic violence, causing harm to the unborn child
- It can teach them that violence is an acceptable way to resolve conflict
- Children may learn how to keep secrets if they are witness to abuse but told not to tell anyone
- They learn to mistrust those closest to them
There are free services for women and men experiencing domestic abuse, to access advice and support on a wide range of issues including housing, legal and benefits.
Search the Are you OK? directory to find the right help for you.
