Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening or violent behaviour. This can affect anyone, and is not okay. Domestic Abuse can affect anyone. This can also include family violence such as female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and honour crimes. Domestic violence and abuse may also be sexual in nature and involve sexual violence. Domestic abuse is not just about a person hitting or threatening their partner. It can include a whole range of things including belittling, constant criticism, isolating someone from their friends and family, sexual abuse and financial control.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
  • psychological
  • physical
  • sexual
  • financial
  • emotional.
It can take place in all sorts of relationships, including marriages and partnerships and between close family members. It often continues after a relationship has ended. Domestic abuse is made worse by the fact it is usually perpetrated by someone you care about and by the fact it happens over and over again. There are different kinds of abuse, but it's always about trying to have power and control over you.
Domestic abuse is disproportionately experienced by women and you can read more about gender and domestic abuse.
If you are worried that you or a friend may be experiencing domestic abuse then you could try working your way through the IDAS Domestic Abuse Checklist
Whether the person doing this to you is a fellow student or not, the University of York is here to support you, and will help you to report to the relevant and suitable authorities if you wish. No one should have to accept violence or control in their lives and you are not to blame for what is happening to you.

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