1.1 Define what is meant by ‘domestic abuse’

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define what is meant by ‘domestic abuse’.

Domestic abuse refers to any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour. It can be made up of a single incident or a series of actions over time. It involves one person harming another within a family or intimate relationship.

It often takes place between partners or ex-partners. It may also occur between family members such as parent and child, or between siblings. The abuse is not always physical. It can be emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. It may involve neglect or isolation.

Domestic abuse can happen in any setting, regardless of age, gender, social background or cultural group. Both men and women can be affected. Children can experience domestic abuse directly or indirectly by living in a household where it takes place.

Elements of Domestic Abuse

Several features help define domestic abuse. An incident may be considered domestic abuse if one or more of the following apply:

• The abuse takes place within an intimate or family relationship
• There is a misuse of power
• The behaviour is intended to cause harm, control or fear
• The harm can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial
• Children are involved or affected, either directly or indirectly

Domestic abuse is not limited to one-off acts. It can be ongoing and may increase in severity over time.

Forms of Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms. It is important to recognise each type so that it can be identified and addressed.

Physical Abuse

This includes hitting, slapping, pushing, punching, burning or other forms of physical attack. It can also include restraining the victim or preventing them from leaving a location.

Physical abuse often leaves visible injuries, but some harm may be internal or not obvious.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

This includes constant criticism, belittling, intimidation, threats, humiliation or name-calling. It can involve isolating the person from friends, family or community.

The aim of emotional abuse is to damage a person’s self-esteem and create dependency on the abuser.

Sexual Abuse

This includes any form of sexual activity without consent. It may involve pressure, intimidation, threats or force. Sexual abuse can take place within marriage or partnerships as well as outside them.

It can have long-term physical and emotional effects, including trauma and anxiety.

Financial Abuse

This includes controlling a person’s access to money or resources. It may involve taking their wages, stopping them from working, running up debts in their name or refusing to contribute to household costs.

Financial abuse often leaves the victim dependent on the abuser for basic needs.

Coercive Control

This is a pattern of behaviour designed to make a person dependent, isolating them from support and controlling their movements. It is often subtle and may not involve physical violence.

Examples include monitoring phone calls, controlling social media use, deciding where the person can go, and limiting contact with other people.

Digital Abuse

This uses technology to harm, frighten or monitor the victim. It may include sending abusive messages, tracking online activity, or sharing private images without consent.

Digital abuse is becoming more recognised as technology is part of everyday life.

Legal Definition in the UK

The UK government defines domestic abuse in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The Act outlines that domestic abuse applies to people aged 16 or over who are personally connected. It includes physical, sexual, emotional and economic abuse, as well as coercive control.

“Personally connected” means they are in a relationship, married, have been married, are engaged, live together, are relatives or have a child together.

The Act recognises children as victims if they see, hear or experience the effects of domestic abuse.

Impact on Victims

Domestic abuse has wide impacts on physical health, mental health and social wellbeing. It often creates long-term consequences.

Common effects include:

• Physical injuries and health problems
• Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of confidence and independence
• Social isolation
• Financial hardship
• Disruption to education or employment for both the victim and children

Children may develop behavioural problems, struggle at school, or have difficulty forming relationships.

Recognising Domestic Abuse

Recognising the signs is important for prevention and intervention. Signs may include:

• Unexplained injuries or frequent absences from work or social activities
• Sudden withdrawal from friends or family
• A partner or family member speaking for the person instead of letting them speak themselves
• Finances being tightly controlled by another person
• The person becoming anxious or fearful without clear reason

Not all signs will be obvious. Some victims hide the abuse out of fear, shame or lack of trust.

Myths and Misunderstandings

Domestic abuse is often misunderstood. Some incorrect beliefs include:

• Abuse only happens in poor households
• Victims could simply leave if they wanted to
• Only women are victims
• Physical violence is the only type of abuse

In reality, abuse can affect anyone. Leaving can be dangerous for victims without safe support. Abuse is often a combination of different forms.

Why a Clear Definition Matters

Having a clear and shared definition helps professionals identify domestic abuse early. It guides decisions for support, intervention and legal action.

Workers in health and social care need to apply the definition consistently. This ensures that victims receive the correct services and protection.

Role of Health and Social Care Workers

Workers must be able to:

• Recognise different forms of abuse
• Understand that abuse may be hidden or denied by the victim
• Respond in a sensitive and confidential manner
• Record information accurately
• Know how to refer to specialist services or the police

Care staff should create a safe environment for disclosure. Victims must feel listened to and supported.

Cultural Considerations

Domestic abuse occurs across all cultures. However, cultural attitudes may influence how it is identified or reported.

Some victims face pressure not to speak out because of family reputation, religious beliefs or community expectations. Language barriers can make seeking help harder.

Workers must be aware of these factors and adapt support accordingly.

Preventing and Reducing Domestic Abuse

Prevention involves education, awareness and accessible support services. Health and social care workers can contribute by:

• Providing information about abuse and healthy relationships
• Encouraging community support networks
• Working with schools to teach respect and equality
• Signposting victims to safe housing, legal advice and counselling

Stopping abuse often requires coordinated work between health services, social care, the police and voluntary organisations.

Recording and Reporting

All instances or suspicions of domestic abuse should be recorded clearly. The record should include factual details only, such as dates, times, observed injuries or behaviours, and exact words used.

Reports should follow organisational policy and legal requirements. Confidentiality must be maintained, except where disclosure is needed to protect a person from harm.

Support Available

In the UK, support includes national helplines, local refuges and outreach services. Some examples are:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline
• Women’s Aid
• Men’s Advice Line
• Victim Support

Services may offer advice, safety planning, housing, and emotional counselling.

Final Thoughts

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects individuals, families and communities. Defining it clearly is the first step in recognising and tackling the problem. The definition must cover all forms of abuse, not only physical harm.

For workers in health and social care, awareness and early recognition are key. Listening to victims, respecting their experiences, and providing the right support can help break the cycle of abuse. Clear and accurate definitions guide action and protect those at risk.