DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

Sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any gender, sexuality, ethnicity or age. The impacts of living with violence and abuse can be devastating and its effects are far reaching, impacting on individuals, families and communities.

Sexual violence relates to any unwanted sexual act or activity. It can include, but is not restricted to, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape within a relationship, forced marriage, honour-based violence and female genital mutilation. Sexual violence can be perpetrated by anyone – this could be a stranger or someone known to and trusted by the person.

Domestic violence and abuse occurs when someone in an intimate personal or family relationship uses violence or abuse to control and have power over the other person. It relates to any event, or pattern or events, where someone has behaved in a threatening, violent or abusive way. The abuse could be physical, sexual, emotional, financial or psychological.

Do you or someone you know need help? If you recognise any of the signs below in your relationship or in someone else’s help is available:

• Forcing, manipulating or coercing someone into doing things
• Putting someone down and making them feel bad
• Making someone feel guilty if they don’t spend time with them
• Looking through someone’s phone, social media or web history
• Stealing from someone or making them buy things
• Hitting, slapping or pushing
• Making someone have sex when they don’t want to
• Feeling scared of a partner, or feeling stressed, worried and pressurised.

Find more information about the signs of sexual violence and domestic violence and abuse.