Domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone. Find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help. If you are worried someone might see you have been on this page, you can cover your tracks online.

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

There are different kinds of abuse. But it’s always about having power and control over you. You may experience more than one form of abuse at any one time.

Abuse can take many forms. Some types of abuse are more obvious than others. The most common types are emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and financial and economic abuse.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence is also called domestic abuse. It includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It happens in couple relationships or between family members. Domestic violence can happen against women and men. Anybody can be an abuser.

If someone’s hurting you it can be very scary. It may be difficult to know how to stop it. No one has the right to be violent towards you, no matter who they are.

Emotional abuse

You may not think you are being abused if the abuse is not physical. But emotional abuse can have a long-lasting and serious effect on you. It includes insults and attempts to scare, isolate, or control you.

It can include constant criticism, having your things destroyed, being controlled by someone, or always being put down.

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in many ways. Physical violence can include hitting, kicking, burning, restraining, or preventing you from sleeping or eating.

Even if it happened a long time ago, it can still affect how you feel today. It can help to get support.

Financial abuse

Financial abuse is when someone controls your money or economic resources to make you financially dependent on them. It can include controlling your access to bank accounts, refusing to let you work, or forcing you to sign documents.

Getting help

Help and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the National Domestic Violence helpline for free, confidential support. You do not have to face this alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or 112. Ask for the Gardaí. Tell them you need help.