We believe Domestic Violence is never okay and has no place within the Staffordshire University community. Staffordshire University is committed to promoting a safe and supportive environment for each and every member of our community.
Domestic abuse is controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Psychological
- Sexual
- Financial
The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically, just one encounter counts as abuse, and it can be an ongoing pattern of behaviour.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality or social background. If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it’s likely you’re a victim of domestic abuse. You may be feeling frightened, isolated, ashamed or confused. If you have children it may be that they too are suffering, whether they witness abuse or not.
If you are experiencing Domestic abuse, we are here for you.
If you are experiencing Domestic abuse, we are here for you.
Controlling and Coercive behaviour
Controlling and coercive behaviour is a range of acts performed by the abuser and designed to make their victim subordinate and/or dependent. These acts include but are not limited to:
- Isolating the victim from sources of support
- Exploiting the victim's resources and capacities for personal gain
- Depriving the victim of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape
- Regulating the victim's everyday behaviour
- Assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used by the abuser to harm, punish, or frighten. This may also include sexual assault.
Emotional or psychological abuse
Just because you’re not battered and bruised doesn’t mean you’re not being abused. Unfortunately, emotional abuse is often minimised or overlooked—even by the person being abused.
Emotional abuse includes verbal abuse such as yelling, name-calling, blaming, and shaming. Isolation, intimidation, and controlling behaviour also fall under emotional abuse.
Honour-based abuse/Forced Marriage
Unfortunately, a small minority of both women and men experience violence and threats at the hands of their family or community in order to protect their perceived ‘honour’. (Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws or step-family.)
Signs of honour-based abuse are:
- Not being alllowed any forms of contact with friends
- Not being allowed to attend or withdrawal from education or workplace
- Criticism for ‘Western’ adoption of clothing or make-up
- Restrictions around leaving the house or chaperoning outside the home
Forced marriage is defined by the Home Office as "when you face physical pressure to marry (for example, threats, physical violence or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (eg if you’re made to feel like you’re bringing shame on your family)".