Domestic abuse is perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner and can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual; it can include controlling, coercive, threatening or violent behaviour, gaslighting or stalking. Domestic abuse includes ‘honour based’ violence.
Physical violence is only one aspect of domestic abuse and an abuser’s behaviour can vary, from being brutal and degrading to small actions that leave you humiliated. For many women who live with domestic abuse there will be no scars, bruises or broken bones, but for some it can take their life.
Most domestic abuse is carried out by men against women; however, it can happen in any relationship. Men can be victims of domestic abuse; women can perpetrate domestic abuse against their partners in same sex relationships; domestic abuse happens in relationships regardless of age, race or ethnicity, religion, class, sexual orientation or disability. Dumbarton District Women’s Aid is here to support all women who have experienced domestic abuse.
All types of abuse are serious. No one deserves to be subjected to any kind of abuse
