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Domestic abuse

Information to help prevent domestic abuse, where to find help and support victims, survivors, and their friends and families.

In this section:

What is domestic abuse

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The below will help you to identify what is domestic abuse.

  • Domestic abuse is the repeated abuse of a person (or persons) over 16 years of age, who are or have been, in an intimate or a family relationship.
  • Domestic abuse is about the use of threats and intimidation by one person to control another person and make them feel scared to speak out about what is happening.
  • Domestic abuse usually happens in private or in the home and the control and abuse build up over time. It can be very difficult to recognise and talk about outside the relationship.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality, ability, circumstances or background.

If you're a victim of domestic abuse, it is not your fault. You are not alone. There are many people who can help you and your children. If left unchallenged then domestic abuse will usually get worse over time.

How to recognise domestic abuse in a relationship

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. There are many types of abuse. 

  • Emotional abuse
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse

GOV.UK provide information on how you can recognise domestic abuse in a relationship and how to support someone you know that is being abused.

What support is available 

There are many services that offer free confidential support and advice which is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends. 

Luton services

Nationwide services

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