About domestic violence
WHAG offers supportive services and accommodation for women and young parents with babies who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness, and people of all genders, children, and some pets, who are fleeing domestic abuse.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic abuse comes in many forms. Below is the government definition along with a list of different types of abuse. Please note that this list will not include every type of abuse. If you are unsure, please feel free to Contact Us.
The government definition
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
- Physical
- Sexual
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Financial
What does domestic abuse look like?
Someone doesn’t have to have bruises or other visible injuries to have experienced domestic abuse.
Often it is about the abuser finding ways of having control over the victim and the circumstances around them. It is an abuse of power which uses the bonds of intimacy, trust and dependency to make the victim vulnerable.
What is controlling behaviour?
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent.
This can be done 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
- Regulating their everyday behaviour.
What is coercive behaviour?
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
Other abusive behaviours
- Digital/Online Abuse
- Adolescent to Parent Abuse
- Forced Marriage
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Honour-based Abuse
- And many more…
Support WHAG
Whether you need assistance or want to help, your involvement makes a difference. Reach out to WHAG today to learn more about our programs and how you can contribute.
