Domestic violence

Domestic violence includes – but is not limited to – any act or threat of physical, sexual, or emotional violence, or coercive control. This is also often referred to as domestic abuse. These acts or threats can be against you or a family member. Domestic violence can also include acts of a financial or digital nature, such as using money or online harassment to control another person.

• Physical violence – hitting, pushing, or any other form of physical harm.
• Emotional abuse – controlling behaviour, threats, or intimidation.
• Sexual violence – unwanted sexual activity or coercion.
• Financial or digital abuse – using money or technology to control another person.

Violent acts or threats can be made by relatives such as parents, adult children, or grandparents, as well as by intimate partners — current or former spouses, civil partners, cohabiting partners, your child’s other parent, or unmarried partners. Disputes between neighbours, tenants, or roommates are not covered by domestic violence law.