If you have been abused

What is domestic violence and abuse?

Reading the following list may help you to identify if you are experiencing abuse.

Have you been;

Insulted by name calling or criticism of your appearance or identity,
Criticised or put down,
Isolated from friends and/or family,
Blamed for every argument, problem and the violent behaviour,
Humiliated at home and /or in public,
Controlled by being told what to wear, manipulated, coerced, or by using silence in order to get what they want,
Harassed by being followed, having your mobile phone, mail, and internet use checked,
Threatened or intimidated by threatening to hurt members of your family, pets or themselves,
Physically hurt by being hit, shoved, pushed, poked, strangled or slapped or through violence that does not leave visible injuries such as hair pulling, throwing things, choking or smothering,
Sexually abused or harassed by the use of threats, intimidation, coercive behaviour and/or physical force to make you have sex or perform sexual acts.

You may have experienced some or all of the above but been told "it wasn't that bad, it's normal or you have imagined it".

Don't allow the abuse to be denied or minimised.

You have been abused.