What is abuse?
Abuse is something that is said or done that hurts another person physically, emotionally, sexually or mentally. Domestic violence is a number of abusive behaviours, both physical and non-physical, that may occur frequently or infrequently.
How do you know if you have abused your partner?
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 etc
Mental / emotional abuse: Calling your partner names-Shouting at her-Smashing
things-Putting her down-Standing over her-Threatening to harm her-Threatening
to harm the kids-Threatening to harm yourself-Controlling who she sees-Checking
up on her-Not letting her use the car / phone etc
Sexual abuse: Pressuring her-Touching her against her will-Forcing sex against
her will-Sulking or punishing her for not having sex-Raping her-Humiliating her
sexually etc
If you have used any of these behaviours towards your partner or ex-partner,
you are being abusive.
This list is not complete. You may be able to think of other things you've done
and make a note of them.
Also, remember what your partner's said about your behaviour, make a note of it
and try to understand how she felt.
Think about how you would feel if anyone treated you like this.
Find out more about about the effects of domestic abuse
