Abusive behaviour is any of the following:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent of threatening behaviour
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Economic abuse
• Any psychological, emotional or other abuse.

Whatever form it takes, domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident, and should instead be seen as a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim.

Typically, the abuse involves a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour, which tends to get worse over time. The abuse can begin at any time, in the first year, or after many years of life together. It may begin, continue, or escalate after a couple have separated and may take place not only in the home but also in a public place. Domestic abuse occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth, and geography.

A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent 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 and regulating their everyday behaviour.

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.

• Having sole control of the family income;
• Preventing a victim from claiming welfare benefits;
• Interfering with a victim’s education, training, or employment;
• Not allowing or controlling a victim’s access to mobile phone/transport/utilities/food;
• Damage to a victim’s property

More information on Economic Abuse can be found on  Surviving Economic Abuse - I need help

• MKACT offers support on our behalf to anyone who has or is suffering from fear and abuse.  They can help you seek the right support from our services or support you in moving to a safer area.  We urge you to seek support as quickly as you can. Telephone 0344 375 4307 (helpline available 9am-5pm)
• National Domestic Violence Helpline National Helpline Telephone 0808 2000247
• Mankind Initiative - Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence Mankind 01823 334244 (Available 10am-4pm)
• The National LGBT+ Domestic abuse helpline 0800 999 5428
• Suzy Lamplugh Trust  National Stalking Helpline  

• MKACT offers support on our behalf to anyone who has or is suffering from fear and abuse.  They can help you seek the right support from our services or support you in moving to a safer area.  We urge you to seek support as quickly as you can. Telephone 0344 375 4307 (helpline available 9am-5pm)
• National Domestic Violence Helpline National Helpline Telephone 0808 2000247
• Mankind Initiative - Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence Mankind 01823 334244 (Available 10am-4pm)
• The National LGBT+ Domestic abuse helpline 0800 999 5428
• Suzy Lamplugh Trust  National Stalking Helpline  

• Children and Family Centres - all of our Children and Family Centres offer a range of services for families from pregnancy to 5 years old. Our Family Centres also have services for families with children up to the age of 19 years, support the community with sessions and support for adults who may not have children or whose children may have grown and left home.  
• Children and Families Practices (Central, North, South) - Children and Families Practices (CFPs) are part of Milton Keynes Council’s Children and Families Services. Our aim is to make sure that children (up to 19 years old) and their families receive the right level of support when they need it most. We will work with families to provide short term support which will be tailored to meet individual family needs.
• Early Help is a response offered by all services in Milton Keynes who are in contact with children, young people and families.
• MKACT offers support on our behalf to anyone who has or is suffering from fear and abuse.  They can help you seek the right support from our services or support you in moving to a safer area.  We urge you to seek support as quickly as you can. Phone 0344 375 4307 (helpline available 9:00am to 5:00pm).
• Ride High - Children's charity in Milton Keynes - Ride High is a registered charity that transforms the lives of disadvantaged children by giving them the opportunity to learn to ride and look after horses and ponies. They effect lasting change in their attitude, wellbeing, self-confidence and life prospects so they become happy, confident young people who are positively engaged in the outside world.
• SAFE! provides support to children and families around the Thames Valley who have been affected by crime or abuse through one-to-one and group sessions. 
• The Healthy Relationships Project (HRP) aims to address the effects and impact of domestic abuse on children, young people, and adults and for them to gain a better understanding of what a healthy relationship is.
• Victims First provides free emotional and practical support to anyone who has experienced domestic abuse, including children and young people who have witnessed abuse. It is available across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire (including Milton Keynes) and Oxfordshire and can provide help regardless of whether or not the crime has been reported to the police. The service will discuss your needs with you and offer options for appropriate tailored support which may include: someone to talk to; independent domestic violence advisors; group or peer support; support through the criminal justice system; counselling; advocacy and/or practical support. Phone: 0300 1234 148