What is domestic violence?

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Domestic violence, or domestic abuse, can be any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 years and over who are or have been intimate, partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can include forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and ritual abuse.  
 
This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:  
 
  • psychological  
  • physical 
  • sexual  
  • financial 
  • emotional  
 
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, or regulating their everyday behaviour.
 
Domestic abuse can affect people across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth or geography.

What is relationship abuse?

In some School policies, we use the term relationship abuse. We define relationship abuse as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threating behaviour, violence or abuse between those who are, or have been, intimate partners; this may include psychological, physical, sexual, financial and/or emotional abuse. 
 
If you are in a relationship that feels abusive, please consider reporting this to us. It does not matter how long you have been in the relationship, it may be quite new, as it is not about how long you have been together, but what is happening within the relationship.  
  
If you are not sure if what is happening is ok or not, you may find this link to warning signs helpful: Warning Signs | Equation
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