What is domestic abuse?

The legal definition of Domestic Abuse is "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members”.

Domestic abuse is a crime that cuts across all social, cultural and religious boundaries. It has devastating and far reaching consequences for victims, their families and the wider community.

Domestic abuse is not just physical, it can also include emotional, sexual and financial abuse and could involve some of the following behaviours:

• Actual or the threat of physical harm
• Deprivation of food or sleep
• Withholding money for essentials
• Verbal or sexual threatening
• Emotional blackmail
• Isolation from family or friends
• Imprisonment in your own home
• Humiliation or belittlement
• Using your children against you

Suffolk Police has a specialised domestic abuse unit equipped with trained and experienced investigators who are dedicated specialists in the field of domestic abuse.

There is no excuse for domestic abuse and if you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse the message is:

• You are not alone
• You are not to blame
• You cannot change someone’s behaviour
• Ignoring abuse is dangerous
• There is life beyond an abusive relationship
• You have the right to live free from fear
• Information and support is available for you and your family

If you are a perpetrator of domestic abuse or know someone who is, the message is:

• You are responsible for your behaviour and you will be held accountable for your actions.
• You do have a choice and support is their for you to change your behaviour.
• If you’re an abuser, or have abused in the past and recognise that you need help in order to change your behaviour, services are available. You can call the Respect perpetrator's helpline on 0845 122 8609.