What is abuse?
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Abuse takes many forms and does not just include physical violence. It isn’t always easy to recognise, and often develops gradually over time. Perpetrators of abuse exert power and control over those they abuse.
Some examples of what abuse may look like, include:
- someone taking their partners pay, preventing them from being in education or employment, and/or taking out loans in their partners name. This is economic abuse.
- someone feeling pressurised into having sex or worried about the consequences if they say no. This is sexual violence.
- feeling pressured into marrying someone who has been chosen by family. Being told that rejecting the marriage will bring shame on the family. This is a forced marriage.
- taking control over aspects of someone’s everyday life, such as where they can go, who they can see, what they can wear and when they can sleep. This is coercive control.
- making unwanted phone calls, showing up unannounced, using social media to track someone, leaving unwanted items or gifts, waiting at places someone hangs out. This is stalking.
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You can find organisations that offer support and advice if you have been a victim of violent and abusive acts and behaviours including:
- domestic violence and abuse (including coercive control)
- sexual violence including rape
- sexual harassment
- stalking
- so called ‘honour’- based violence (HBV)
- forced marriage
- faith-based abuse
- female genital mutilation (FGM) or cutting
- prostitution and human trafficking
These types of abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, social background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. However, we know that it disproportionately affects women and girls.
If you are experiencing any form of abuse, it is important to remember that it is not your fault, and that support is available.
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