What is domestic and relationship abuse?

Domestic and relationship abuse can be an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over, who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can include forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and ritual abuse. 
 
 The abuse can include, but is not limited to: 
 

·         Psychological

·         Physical

·         Sexual

·         Financial

·         Emotional
  
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. 
 
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, frighten, isolate or create dependence. 

 

To report domestic or relationship abuse to the University, please click here. 

 

For information on support please see here.

 

The University’s policy on Domestic Abuse can be accessed here.

There is more information, including sources of support, on the Student Support and Success pages here.