Domestic Abuse
This is a range of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, carried out by a partner or ex-partner. It includes:
- choking
- punching
- keeping the victim awake
- threats
- name-calling
- acts which degrade and humiliate
- withholding money
- controlling access to a victim’s phone
- isolating the victim from family and friends
Coercive control
This describes a pattern of behaviours that enable someone to maintain or regain control of a partner or ex-partner. Examples of coercive control include:
- isolating the victim from family/friends
- intercepting messages or phone calls
- constant criticism of the victim
- threats of suicide/homicide
- preventing or manipulating access to medical care
- using the children to have an 'upper hand'
- damage to property
- hurting pets
- threats to expose sensitive information (or sexual activity)
- involvement of wider family members/community
For information on the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018, which gives police more powers to prosecute a wide range of abusive behaviours, visit the Government's Legislation page.
The Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland (sometimes called Clare’s Law) lets you check with the police if your partner or someone you know (in a professional or personal capacity) is in a relationship with someone with a history of domestic abuse.
There are other specialist agencies who can help:
- Fife Women’s Aid are available on 0808 802 5555, 24/7.
- Shakti Women's Aid (Fife) is available on 0808 802 5555, 24/7.
- Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit/Child Protection can be contacted on 101
- Safe, Secure and Supported at home can help arrange a home safety visit.
There is a whole page dedicated to Domestic Abuse on the Police Scotland's webpage.
If you think you or your children are in immediate danger of being hurt, phone the police on 999.
To report any concerns to the police call the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
