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Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together, or dating.
It is important to note that females may exhibit violent behaviour against their male partners, and men can be victims of domestic violence. Whilst both men and women may experience incidents of domestic violence and abuse, there are important differences between male violence against women and female violence against men, namely the amount, severity and impact. Women experience higher rates of repeated victimisation and are much more likely to be seriously hurt or killed than male victims of domestic abuse.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, you can find support resources below:
Women’s Aid: The Survivor's Handbook from the charity Women's Aid is free and provides information for women on a wide range of issues such as housing, money, helping your children, and your legal rights.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: You can call the Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time.
The Men’s Advice Line: Male domestic abuse survivors can call the helpline on 0808 801 0327 for free at any time (run by Respect).
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: LGBT+ members can call the helpline on 0800 999 5428 for free at any time (run by Galop).
If you're worried that you are behaving abusively in your relationship, call the free Respect Phoneline on 0808 802 4040.