Domestic abuse is the physical, emotional, sexual or financial violence that takes place within an intimate relationship, such as with a partner, boyfriend or husband. Domestic abuse involves coercive and controlling behaviour, and does not always involve physical violence. Most domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women and children, but this is not always the case. Stirling and District Women's Aid is open to women who have experience of domestic abuse within same sex relationships, and to transgender women. Physical abuse could include slapping, punching, strangling, scalding, burning and the use of weapons. Emotional abuse could include being insulted and put down, being threatened, being prevented from seeing your friends of family. It could also involve being made fun of because of your race, sexual orientation or gender identity. Sexual abuse is any sexual behaviour that you do not want and have not consented to. This could include unwanted touching, feeling pressured to take part in sexual acts that you're not comfortable with, being made to view sexual images and rape. Financial abuse could include not allowing you to have access to the money that you need or not allowing you to go out to work to earn money. If you're worried that some of these things are going on in your relationship, then help and support is available from Stirling and District Women's Aid.
