Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. There are different kinds of abuse that can happen in different contexts. The most prevalent type of domestic abuse occurs in relationships. But the definition of domestic abuse also covers abuse between family members, such as adolescent to parent violence and abuse.

Domestic abuse can cover from gaslighting to threatening to ‘out’ someone – this is anti-LGBT abuse. Domestic abuse is never the fault of the person who is experiencing it.

This checklist can help clarify some general issues regarding abuse.

It can help you understand if you are a victim of domestic abuse and what you should do about it.

• Are you unable to see certain friends or family members?
• Are you ever frightened about how your partner or family member will react to you?
• Do your family members or partner ever put you down and belittle you?
• Does your partner or family member pester you for money, control your access to money or withhold your own money or credit cards?
• Do you get the blame when your partner or family member gets angry?
• Do you feel that you don’t have a say in your relationships with other people?
• Do you ever feel controlled by your partner or family?
• Does your partner or family member constantly call, text you or check up on you?
• Does your partner or family member make unreasonable demands on you? 
• Do you feel pressured or smothered in your relationship with them?
• Are you criticised because of the things you say or do?
• Are you ever punched, slapped, kicked or physically and sexually abused in any other way by a partner or family member?

If you answer yes to any of the above then please find where you can get support below.