What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic abuse is any form of abuse or controlling behaivour which poses a threat to a victims health or well-being. Domestic violence can occur between: people who are or were married (this includes persons of the same sex); who are or were living together in a relationship; they were or are in a relationship with each other (even if it was a perceived relationship); parents of a child; family members; or persons who are or were residing in the same residence. Domestic abuse is generally about power and maintaining control over a person(s) through fear and intimidation.

Domestic Violence, according to the Domestic Violence Act, refers to the following:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• emotional, verbal and psychological abuse
• economic abuse
• intimidation
• harassment
• stalking
• damage to property
• entry into the complainant's residence without consent, where the parties do not share the same residence, or
• any other controlling or abusive behaviour towards a complainant (i.e. victim).