Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.
It's abuse if your partner or a family member:
- threatens you
- shoves or pushes you
- makes you fear for your physical safety
- puts you down or attempts to undermine your self-esteem
- controls you, for example by stopping you seeing your friends and family
- is jealous and possessive, such as being suspicious of your friendships and conversations
- frightens you
Read the NHS self-help guide to dealing with physical, sexual or emotional abused from those close to you.