On this page, you will find information on types of abuse and how to spot signs for each.
Anybody can experience abuse. Abuse can occur to people of all ages, cultures, sexual orientations, religions and ethnicities, to people with disabilities, and regardless of financial status.
Definition
The UK Government defines domestic violence and abuse as:
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, economic and emotional forms of abuse. Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten a person.”
Abuse is a crime. All forms of gender-based violence are crimes in the UK.
In line with these definitions, sTandTall uses the term ‘domestic abuse’ as an umbrella term, referencing all categories of abuse or gender-based violence, including but not limited to:
- Psychological & Emotional
- Physical
- Sexual Abuse & Rape
- Financial
- Spiritual & Cultural
- Stalking
- Bullying
- FGM
- Forced Marriage
No matter what abuse you’re going through, sTandTall is here to support you.