What is domestic abuse?

At Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid we define domestic violence as:

 

the physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse of one person (usually a woman) by another (usually a man) with whom they have or have had an intimate relationship.

 

Domestic Violence can happen to any woman irrespective of her age, class, disability, ethnic origin, lifestyle, religion or sexuality. The person abusing might be a boyfriend, a family member or your husband or partner.

 

Coercive Control is a type of Domestic Abuse

 

You might have heard people use the term ‘Coercive Control’. This type of abuse is defined by us as:

 

an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. 

 

If you think you might be in an abusive relationship, we are here to support you. You do not need to feel ashamed, embarrassed, or uncomfortable about calling us to discuss what you’re going through.

 

We will listen, we will believe you and we will support you.