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Domestic abuse can take many forms, and anyone can find themselves a victim (or victim-survivor) regardless of their gender, sexuality, socio-economic status, ethnicity or other background characteristics.
The behaviour that might amount to domestic abuse can take the form of:
- Threatening or intimidating behaviour (whether in person or online);
- Physical abuse;
- Psychological or emotional abuse (for example, being put down or made to feel worthless, being humiliated or made the subject of jokes, being manipulated, being ignored, being led to believe that the situation is your fault and/or being gaslit (being manipulated and made to believe something which is untrue and being caused to question your own judgment)).
- Controlling or coercive behaviour (for example, there might be rules about your everyday behaviour, you might be isolated from family or friends, not have financial freedom or you might be degraded or face threats of adverse consequences if you do not follow the set rules).
- Economic abuse (your finances might be controlled, and you may not be able to earn money or buy what you want or need, or you might be prevented from using your own money or your money might be used without your consent and knowledge).
- Technology-facilitated domestic abuse (for example, having your location or activity monitored, being listened in on, or being intimidated via home technology, sharing private photographs posted online and have your social media accounts managed).
Within the family law context, domestic abuse can occur between two people (aged at least 16) who are "personally connected" to each other, for example by being in a marriage or civil partnership together, by being or having been in an intimate personal relationship, or by being other types of family members. Children can also be the victims of domestic abuse if they see or hear it or are otherwise affected by it.
In these FAQs and answers, we use 'England' as a shorthand for 'England and Wales' because England and Wales share a single legal system. Scotland, meanwhile, is a different legal system and has different rules for many aspects of family law.
We have also chosen to talk about 'marriages' most of the time (which may be between either an opposite or same-sex couple). Unless we say otherwise, what we have said is also true of civil partnerships (which may also be between an opposite or same-sex couple).
These FAQs (and our website more generally) contain general information based on English law as it stands at the date of publication, but they do not constitute legal advice, nor are they tailored to any couple or family's particular circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to ensure it is accurate and up to date, website users should seek appropriate legal advice before taking or refraining from any action based on the content of the website. We would, of course, be willing to assist with this, and you can contact us here.
Any pricing information is similarly general. Our clients' relationship with us is governed by the terms of the engagement letter sent to them at the beginning of their instruction.
Get in touch
Our team of divorce law solicitors are on hand to help and support couples who are thinking about divorce. Speak to one of our experts confidentially by phoning Sarah on the number below, or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.
Email Sarah