Domestic violence

Domestic Violence (also referred to as Domestic Abuse) is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, emotional, sexual or financial) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or have been intimate partners, or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. The definition includes forced marriage, sexual violence, female genital mutilation and honour based violence, when committed within a family or by a current or ex-intimate partner.

Domestic violence involves a pattern of physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse, which escalates in frequency and severity over time. It is the misuse of power and the exercise of control by one partner over the other in an intimate or family relationship.