Domestic violence (‘DV’) is abusive, violent or intimidating behaviour occurring in a relationship. DV can sometimes be referred to as family violence. The relationship can be a partner, carer or another family member. The violence does not need to occur within your home to be DV. It occurs when someone in a relationship with you has power or control over you.

There are many types of domestic violence, including but not limited to; physical, emotional, economic, social, spiritual and harassment.

• Physical abuse– where someone is physically hurting you or is threatening to physically hurt you. Can also include sexual abuse and/or the threat of sexual abuse.
• Emotional abuse– making you feel worthless in order to maintain power and control over you. Can include; verbal insults, intimidation, isolation, bullying and making you dependent on them.
• Economic abuse– where someone has control over your finances or if they keep you financially reliant or dependent on them.
• Social abuse– insolating you from your support network of family or friends or controlling what you do, where you go and who you spend time with. Can also include insulting, embarrassing and/or humiliating you in front of other people.
• Spiritual abuse– preventing you to express you own opinions or ideas with respect to religion, culture and personal values.
• Harassment or stalking– repeated following, watching, calling, online stalking and/or intimidation by another person.