Types of Domestic Abuse

When most of us hear the term ‘Domestic Abuse’, we immediately think of physical and sexual violence. As the most graphic, visible and instantly shocking types of domestic abuse, physical and sexual assaults dominate the public perceptions of what domestic abuse looks like.

This is not just reductive; it’s dangerous. A narrow definition of what domestic abuse is, comprising solely of physical and sexual abuse, means that people who are going through other forms of abuse may not even realise that they are being abused.

For most domestic abuse survivors, abuse takes the form of a complex combination of elements, disempowering them in many different ways. Domestic abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial or psychological – and it’s often a mixture of all of the above. Above all else, domestic abuse is about power and control.

We’ve created this simple chart as a useful tool for the classification of domestic violence, showcasing the many different types of abuse:

If you’re reading this and you’re experiencing any of the types of abuse shown above, please reach out to us.

Penny Appeal have a helpline serving both male and female survivors of domestic abuse, aged 18 and over nationwide. We operate 7 days a week from 10am to 10pm via 0808 802 3333. Callers can be reassured that there will be no cost to them whatsoever and the number won’t show up on any bills. Our trained practitioners can offer tailored help and support.

We also offer counselling services in London and Yorkshire, as well as outreach in Birmingham. If you’re reading this and you’d like to help, you can donate to help keep our Domestic Abuse Helpline running for just £20.

Don’t let misplaced shame stop you from getting help.

Domestic abuse should have #NoFilter.