If you want to stop abusing

What is abuse?
Abuse is something that is said or done that hurts another person physically, emotionally, sexually or mentally.  

How do you know if you have abused another person?
Read the following list of abusive behaviours and think carefully about your relationship.

Physical abuse: Slapping, punching / hitting, pushing, kicking, grabbing, using a weapon, strangling / choking.

Mental / emotional / financial abuse: Name calling, shouting at, smashing things, putting down, intimidating, threatening to harm them, the children or yourself, controlling who they see, checking up on them, denying use of the car / phone, controlling access to and use of money.

Sexual abuse: Pressurising, touching or forcing someone to have sex against their will; sulking or punishing someone for not having sex; raping and humiliating someone sexually.

If you have used any of these behaviours towards someone you are being abusive to them.  

Domestic violence can also include violence inflicted on or witnessed by children. This can lead to poor educational acheivement, social exclusion, juvenile crime, substance misuse, mental health problems and running away from home. It is a child protection issue.