Domestic Abuse - It takes many forms

Not all domestic abuse is physical in nature, it can take many forms. It is important to understand what constitutes domestic abuse;

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be hard to recognise at first.  If you feel you are constantly having to keep your partner happy, and not upset them then you may be suffering from emotional abuse.   Classic signs that you are suffering emotional abuse include;

·       Belittling your goals and achievements

·       Making you feel that you are an embarrassment or that others don’t like you

·       Blaming you or making you apologise for things you haven’t done

·       Extreme or irrational jealousy

·       Breaking things, smashing up property or ruining occasions

·       Blaming you for your partner’s moods

·       Gaslighting (making you feel that you are losing your mind i.e. that you are too quiet/too loud or you did something you should remember)

·       Causing you to feel that you must choose between your family/friends and your relationship

·       Making you question your relationships with third parties

·       Love bombing (rushing through the relationship intensely).

Coercive behaviour and Control

Another form of abuse is that of controlling behaviour.  It can have a huge impact on the victim.  It creates a set of rules for that person that they never agreed to, and that are constantly shifting.  It can include repeated acts of isolation and guilt or arise when a person is prevented from doing what they wish, seeing who they wish to see and having their activities regulated.

Coercive control is defined by behaviour that causes the victim to feel punished or frightened for doing something that the perpetrator does not agree with.  Sometimes this can take the form of threats of suicide being made, or threats to harm other family members such as children, it can be financial punishment or humiliation or acts such as refusing to let you use the car, eat, speak on the phone, or watch television (these are but a few examples).

In 2015 the Serious Crime Act changed to recognise controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.

Domestic abuse can happen to men, women and children and no person should have to tolerate it.  Everyone deserves to be in a healthy and respectful relationship.  If you feel you are in an abusive relationship you should seek help.  The following numbers are useful;

The National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327

Police / Emergency Services  999

If you are a victim of abuse we can apply for a Non-Molestation Order which will afford you protection.

For confidential legal advice please contact Elaine Flynn at eflynnlaw@outlook.com, or at Arthurs Solicitors 01843 210 377

 @EF_Familylaw