What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their social, educational, or financial status.

While red flags aren't always proof that someone is being mistreated in this way, they are worth knowing. Many who are abused may try to cover up what is happening to them for a variety of reasons, and it goes without saying that these individuals could benefit from help.

Abuse occurs when one person in a relationship attempts to dominate and control the other person. Usually, the control begins with psychological or emotional abuse escalates to physical abuse. When domestic abuse includes physical violence, it's termed domestic violence.

If someone is being physically abused, they will likely have frequent bruises or physical injuries consistent with being punched, choked, or knocked down—and they'll likely have a weak or inconsistent explanation for these injuries.

It's also common for someone to try to cover up the physical signs with clothing. For example, you may notice someone you care about wearing long sleeves or scarves in the hot summer. Wearing heavier than normal makeup or donning sunglasses inside are also common signs of domestic abuse.

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about having power and control over you.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might be in an abusive relationship or experiencing domestic abuse.

Emotional abuse

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

1. belittle you, or put you down?
2. blame you for the abuse or arguments?
3. deny that abuse is happening, or downplay it?
4. isolate you from your family and friends?
5. stop you going to college or work?
6. make unreasonable demands for your attention?
7. accuse you of flirting or having affairs?
8. tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
9. control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?
10. monitor your social media profiles, share photos or videos of you without your consent or use GPS locators to know where you are?

Threats and intimidation

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

1. threaten to hurt or kill you?
2. destroy things that belong to you?
3. stand over you, invade your personal space?
4. threaten to kill themselves or the children?
5. read your emails, texts or letters?
6. harass or follow you?

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

1. slap, hit or punch you?
2. push or shove you?
3. bite or kick you?
4. burn you?
5. choke you or hold you down?
6. throw things?

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.

Does your partner or someone you live with ever:

1. touch you in a way you do not want to be touched?
2. make unwanted sexual demands?
3. hurt you during sex?
4. pressure you to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
5. pressure you to have sex?

If anyone has sex with you when you do not want to, this is rape. It is still rape if that person is your partner.

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner?

Have you ever changed your behaviour because you're afraid of what your partner might do?

If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.

Domestic violence and abuse against women often starts during pregnancy. If the relationship is already abusive, it can get worse.