Finance & Restructuring
We’re working together against domestic abuse until women and children are safe
Domestic violence is the systematic pattern of behaviour on the part of the abuser designed to control his partner.
The abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. Anyone forced to alter their behaviour because they are frightened of their partner’s reaction is being abused. It can begin at any stage of the relationship. Domestic violence is rarely a one-off. Incidents generally become more frequent and severe over time.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of age, social background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. Whilst domestic violence happens in all relationships (heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender), statistics show the vast majority of domestic violence incidents are carried out by men and experienced by women.
Domestic violence is a crime. We all have a role to play in bringing domestic violence to an end.
How common is domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is very common. 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
Since the COVID pandemic in 2020, rates of domestic abuse have increased by 33%, with over 5.5% of both men and women in the population experiencing domestic abuse.
Whilst much of the research and media attention on domestic abuse has been centred on male perpetrators and women survivors, it is essential to be aware that abuse can happen to anyone, anywhere. It can be difficult for a person experiencing abuse to reach out for help, meaning that many cases of domestic abuse go unreported and the scale of the problem is not recognised.
Domestic abuse impacts its survivors in a number of ways. They are more likely to develop mental health problems and addictions.
1 in 15 children are exposed to domestic violence each year, increasing their likelihood of being subject to abuse as well.