24 Domestic Abuse Helpline
01872 225629
The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
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psychological
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physical
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sexual
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financial
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emotional
Controlling behaviour
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
This is not a legal definition.
The changes to the definition of domestic abuse raise awareness that young people in the 16 to 17 age group can also be victims of domestic violence and abuse.
By including this age group the government hopes to encourage young people to come forward and get the support they need, through a helpline or specialist service.
