Domestic violence is physical, psychological, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. Crime statistics and research both show that domestic violence is gender specific - usually the perpetrator of a pattern of repeated assaults is a man.

Women experience the most serious physical and repeated assaults.

Any woman can experience domestic violence regardless of race, ethnic or religious group, class, sexuality, disability or lifestyle.

Domestic violence is any act that leaves us with a sense of fear, loss or violation.  If you are forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner's reaction, you are being abused.  

Domestic violence is not a private family matter- it is a crime.
No one has the right to abuse you. There is never an excuse.

Domestic violence destroys both women's and children's lives.