Domestic abuse cuts across social, racial and cultural boundaries. Older women, young non-cohabiting women and women with disabilities may all experience domestic abuse. It can affect any woman regardless of race, class, age, religion, sexuality, ability, income, lifestyle or where she stays.
There is no typical abuser.
The majority of domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women. The latest police statistics show that 88% of crimes and offences of domestic abuse were perpetrated by men against women and 10% were perpetrated by women against men. 95% of crimes of indecency (primarily sexual assault) were perpetrated by men against women.
Men who abuse come from all backgrounds.
Domestic abuse can occur within same sex relationships.
Domestic abuse seriously affects the lives of women, children and young people in all sorts of ways.
Common health effects of domestic abuse include physical injury, poor health and a range of psychological difficulties. Children who witness the abuse, or who are used in the abuse, are also affected physically and emotionally. There is a correlation between domestic abuse and child abuse.
Women may lose their home, their job, their income and their place in their community. They may experience a range of other difficulties including isolation from family and friends as well as low self-esteem, lack of confidence and feelings of self-blame, stigma and worthlessness.
Domestic abuse affects children and young people. They are often in the same or next room when it is happening. They can be directly abused and are sometimes hurt when they try to intervene. Living with domestic abuse can affect their emotional and psychological wellbeing; undermine the relationship with their mother; and have other negative consequences. This can include moving repeatedly to escape abuse and disruption to education.
The effects on society as a whole are also significant. For example, the cost to the NHS in England and Wales for physical injuries is around £1.2 billion a year and mental health care is estimated at an additional £176 million.