About Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, by a partner or ex-partner. Domestic abuse is overwhelmingly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. It doesn’t matter how old someone is, what race or ethnicity they are, what class they are, whether or not they are disabled, or whether they have children – anyone can be a victim of abuse.

Reference to statistics about domestic abuse “incidents’ are a small part of the true picture because domestic abuse is not ‘a fight’ or a one-off act. It is a pattern of abuse. You can understand what this means by thinking about pattern, not punches; impact, not incidents; abusive behaviour rather than abusive ‘relationship’.  Most women who ask for help have been subjected to a pattern of domination that includes tactics to isolate, degrade, exploit and control them.  This is known as ‘coercive control’ – it is a pattern, or course, of behaviour.

Often when people think of domestic abuse they think of physical violence, but domestic abuse is very often so much more than that. For many women who live with domestic abuse there will be no scars, bruises or broken bones, but for some it can take their life. No one kind of abuse is more serious than any other.

You can find out more by watching these real-life story video’s produced by Scottish Women’s Aid:

Amira's story

Shona's story

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please call us on 01224 593381, email info@grampian-womens-aid.com or complete our online form HERE, for free, confidential advice

When our phone lines are closed, Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage helpline is always available on 0800 027 1234, email helpline@sdafmh.org.uk or on Web Chat HERE 

IF YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL THE POLICE ON 999.

Who else can help?

Domestic abuse can be very isolating. It’s important for women to know that there are lots of people they can speak to if they need help, support or advice. You can find a list of organisations offering support and advice HERE.