Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can be physical violence, sexual abuse or emotional abuse.
Physical violence can be:
- Biting
- Bruising
- Scalding
- Slapping/punching/kicking
- Starving
Sexual abuse can be:
- Rape
- Forced pregnancy/termination
- Withdrawal of contraception
- Enforced prostitution
Emotional abuse can be:
- Undermining/criticism
- Constant put downs
- Financial deprivation
- Constraints on going out, friendships, contacts
- Sleep deprivation
- Verbal abuse
- Controlling behaviour
- Constant and/or abusive texts/phone calls
Domestic abuse may increase when a person experiencing abuse tries to end the relationship, on separation or divorce or, during pregnancy and following the birth of a child. Domestic abuse has a harmful, sometimes even life threatening, impact on the mental wellbeing of those affected.
Domestic abuse can take place in any relationship, including gay and lesbian partnerships and abuse of men by female partners does occur. Nevertheless, the majority of domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women, and their children.
For support and information you can call the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline on: 0800 027 1234 In confidence, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not recorded on landline bills.
