What is domestic violence and abuse?

Domestic abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of:

• controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour
• violence or abuse

This can include, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional.

It occurs between people aged 16 or older who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members. It applies regardless of gender or sexuality.

Two key abusive behaviours are:

• Controlling behaviour
  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
  An act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten the victim.

The East Riding Domestic Abuse Board strategy outlines the multi-agency response to domestic abuse.

Who domestic abuse affects

Research shows that domestic violence or abuse is most commonly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. However anyone can experience domestic violence or abuse regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, disability or lifestyle.

Domestic violence or abuse can also take place in lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender relationships, and can involve other family members, including children.

Effects of domestic violence on children and young people

The majority of children and young people witness the abuse that is occurring and, in about half of all domestic violence or abuse situations, they are also being directly abused themselves. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 ensures that children that have been exposed to domestic abuse are recognised and supported as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, rather than just witnesses.

A child or young person can experience both short and long term cognitive, behavioural and emotional effects. Each child and young person will respond differently to trauma and some may be more resilient and not exhibit any negative effects.

A child or young person's responses to the trauma of witnessing domestic violence or abuse may vary according to a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, and stage of development.

It is equally important to remember that the common effects experienced by a child or young person can also be caused by something other than witnessing domestic violence or abuse; a thorough assessment of a child or young person's situation is vital to ensure appropriate support.

Local advice and support

The Domestic Violence and Abuse Partnership (DVAP) provides three different services that are able to assist those affected by domestic violence:

• DVAP adult service
• DVAP children’s service
• prevention of domestic abuse service (PODAS).

East Riding of Yorkshire Council - domestic abuse (external council website)

Related documents

You can find and download all procedure and guidance documents and more on the documents page.