What is domestic violence?
Domestic Violence is physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour.
It can happen to any woman regardless of her age, race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality, lifestyle or disability.
Any type of Domestic Violence may not happen regularly, but it is rarely a one-off event and can escalate in frequency and severity over time.
On average, women are assaulted approximately 35 times by partners or ex-partners before reporting the violence to the police. (Bewley S, Friend J & Mezey G (eds) (1997) Violence Against Women, London, RCOG)
Domestic Violence is all about one person's desire to maintain control and power over another person. Living in a violent relationship destroys confidence and self-respect.