What is domestic violence and abuse?

This is the definition of domestic violence and domestic abuse used in Bristol:

• The misuse of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological and/or financial control by one person over another who is or has been in a relationship. This includes family members. 

• Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) covers a wide range of behaviours and may be actual or threatened.

• DVA includes forced marriage, so-called “honour”-based violence, and female genital mutilation.

• DVA also includes the use of children to control an adult victim. Because of this, child abuse and domestic abuse can overlap.

• DVA is usually perpetrated by men against women, but not exclusively.

• DVA is a continuing pattern of events, behaviour and coercive control.

DVA occurs in all groups and sections of society and may be experienced differently, due to, and compounded by race, sexuality, disability, age, religion, culture, class or mental health.

Home Office definition:

"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, regardless of gender or sexuality." This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour killings'.