The Home Office definition of Domestic Violence:
“Domestic Violence is any threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are, or have been, in a relationship, or between family members. It can affect anybody, regardless of their gender or sexuality. The violence can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional. It can include ‘honour-based’ violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.”

The Haven Wolverhampton definition of Domestic Violence:
The Haven Wolverhampton believes Domestic Violence is a violation of the human rights of women and children. It is the abuse of power and control which is rarely a one-off incident. Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behaviours whereby the abuser seeks power over their partner or family member.
Domestic Violence occurs across all of society regardless of age, sexuality, class, ethnicity, ability or lifestyle. Domestic abuse can also occur in a range of relationships including heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender relationships and in the extended family.

Domestic Violence is rarely a one-off incident. Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behaviours whereby the abuser seeks power over their partner or family member.
Many women may not initially recognise that they are experiencing Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence can take many forms and may include the following behaviour(s)

• Being controlled or prevented from seeing friends or family
• Being prevented from starting or continuing with work or studies
• Constantly being checked up on or follwed
• Deliberate distruction of personal possesions
• Financial constraints
• Being prevented from leaving the house
• Verbal attacks
• Threats of violence / physical abuse