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