Domestic and Sexual Violence

Domestic violence or abuse is when an adult child, parent, other close family member or partner make you feel afraid by threatening you; injuring you; controlling you.

You don’t have to be physically hurt to be a victim. The abuse could be emotional abuse where you are constantly being sworn at, teased or told you’re unwanted. It doesn’t matter how old someone is, what race or ethnicity they are, what class they are, whether or not they are disabled, or whether they have children – anyone can be a victim of abuse.

Domestic abuse isn’t a one off – it usually happens again and again where the abusive partner will try a number of different things to try and gain control. It typically gets worse over time, and for many, it can continue after the relationship has ended.

Sexual Violence and Abuse

Sexual violence or abuse is sexual behaviour you don’t want to do, don’t agree to do or don’t understand. Sexual violence and abuse includes any behaviour (physical, psychological, verbal, virtual/online) perceived to be of a sexual nature which is controlling, coercive, exploitative, harmful, or unwanted that is inflicted on anyone (irrespective of age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any form of disability). Coercive, exploitative and harmful behaviour includes taking advantage of an individual’s incapacity to give informed consent.

Further information can be found on NI Direct website.

How to Get Help

You can get help by contacting:

Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline

Telephone: 0808 802 1414

Email: info@dsahelpline.org

Police Service of Northern Ireland

https://www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse

https://www.psni.police.uk/crime/sexual-violence-and-abuse

Tel: 999 (in case of an emergency)

Stopping Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy & Related Publications

Useful contacts