We now know that Domestic Abuse can take many forms and can include child to parent abuse, elder abuse, sibling abuse and abuse between very young adults in relationships. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gives the following definition:

Domestic violence and abuse includes any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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 sexuality. It also includes so called ‘honour’- based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

Domestic abuse comprises of broad categories of behaviour including physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse and psychological, emotional, or other abuse. It can be prosecuted under a range of offences and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct. Men, women and children can all be victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse occurs amongst people of all gender identities, ethnicities, sexualities, ages, disabilities, immigration status, religions or beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Crown Prosecution Service

Everyone working within your Religious Life Group should ensure they are familiar with the Indicators and Signs of Domestic Violence or Abuse…

Domestic violence or abuse can be characterised by any of the indicators of abuse relating to:

Psychological

Physical

Sexual

Financial

Emotional

Coercive or controlling behaviour is a core part of domestic violence:

Acts of assault, intimidation, threats and humiliation

Harming, punishing or frightening the person

Isolating the person from sources of support

Exploitation of resources or money

Preventing the person from escaping abuse

Regulating everyday behaviour

I was heartbroken, scared, I had a lot of anxiety, I was worried, I felt weak, and I had no idea how I was ever going to come up with the strength. But I just closed my eyes and took a blind leap. I knew I had to get out of there.
Bob Casey Jr