Below are some of the forms that domestic violence takes. Any behaviour that hurts you or creates fear of harm of any kind is a form of violence. Financial Abuse - including controlling and withholding money, stopping you from having a say in how it is spent or not letting you earn your own money. Social Abuse - including cutting you off from family and friends, making you account for your whereabouts, publicly embarrassing you and insisting you stay at home. Physical Assault - including hitting, choking, beating and the use of weapons and threats of any physical violence.
Many women fear admitting the seriousness of the abuse.
You may feel ashamed, guilty, blame yourself or feel you are betraying your partner. It is important that you do not take the blame. No matter what his reasons are, there is no excuse for abuse. Domestic violence is not caused by alcohol or other drugs, unemployment, pressures or your behaviour. These are common ways to refuse responsibility for unacceptable behaviour.