Abuse within relationships is usually about the perpetrator wanting to have power and control over their partner. Although the majority of victims are women, approximately 1 in 6 victims are male. The abuse is never the victim’s fault and perpetrators typically abuse their partners in these ways:

Psychological – verbal threats, blackmail, constantly checking up on their partner and playing mind games are some examples of psychological abuse.

Physical – hitting, kicking.

Sexual - any forced sexual act. Forcing their partner to watch pornography, unwanted sexual activity, explicit photos and videos taken of them are sent to other people or put on social media without their knowledge or consent.

Financial – the perpetrator may tightly control spending, check receipts and whereabouts, and make their partner financially dependent on them so it restricts their independence and makes it harder for them to leave the relationship.

Emotional - the perpetrator makes the victim believe the abuse is their fault, belittles and degrades them, and can make them feel like no one else will want them as a partner.

 

There is no particular cause that can lead to the development of abuse, there is usually a combination of factors which affect the perpetrators behaviour. It often takes victims a long time to report their abuse to the police for many reasons as well.

Victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse vary in their age, ethnicity, class, religion, disability, sexuality and lifestyle. Abuse is not just restricted to heterosexual relationship and can happen in gay, bisexual and transgender relationships.

 

Your Sanctuary Domestic Abuse Helpline 01483 776822 Available 24 hours, 7 days a week