11667 Domestic Abuse Text.qxd
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one | What is domestic abuse? Any form of abuse is unacceptable and those who choose to use abuse must be held legally, socially, morally and culturally accountable. Legally, domestic abuse is defined as any action involving abuse between family, or household members (including current and former partners). Domestic abuse occurs when a person causes, attempts to cause, or threatens to cause emotional, sexual or physical harm to an intimate partner or other family or household member. Domestic abuse is a pattern of coercive behaviour used by an individual to establish and maintain power and control over another (relationship as defined above). This type of cruelty takes many forms, including physical, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, isolation and the selective destruction of property and pets. Without early and effective intervention, the abusive behaviour becomes more frequent and severe. Both adults and adolescents commit acts of domestic abuse. While we recognise that domestic abuse has both male and female victims and perpetrators, it is important to note that the majority of all domestic abuse related incidents reported are female victims of male offenders. Therefore, throughout this book, we refer to perpetrators of abuse as male and to victims as females. Abuse, no matter who is perpetrating it, is unacceptable. Those choosing to use any form of violence and abuse must be held fully accountable, and all victims of abuse must be offered resources for support and safety.
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