Domestic violence

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling and aggressive behaviours from one partner (or ex partner) towards another.

The abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. The violence and abuse can be actual or threatened and can happen once every so often or on a regular basis.

Practical help

There are many organisations who can give you practical help, such as a safe refuge or counselling.

Go to the useful organisations page to find out more.

Getting legal protection

If you want to get legal protection you can apply to the civil court for an injunction order. An injunction order can provide a breathing space for you to recover and make decisions about the future. It can prohibit further abuse and exclude the perpetrator from the home.

To do this you should first contact a family lawyer. Some Resolution members are specialists in domestic abuse issues. Find a specialist here.

More information about the types of orders and what they might mean for you is on the legal options page.