The Scottish Government, in their “National Strategy To Address Domestic Abuse In Scotland” defines domestic abuse as:

“Domestic abuse (as gender‐based abuse), can be perpetrated by partners or ex‐partners and can include
physical assault (assault and physical attack involving a range of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade
and humiliate women and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and emotional abuse
(such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and other types of controlling behaviours such
as isolation from family and friends).”

The Strategy goes on to state that “the existence of violence against men is not denied, nor is the existence of
violence in same sex relationships, nor other forms of abuse, but domestic abuse requires a response which
takes account of the gender specific elements and the broader inequalities which women face.” However, their
Strategy focuses primarily on domestic abuse, as one form of violence against women.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including:

• Physical - slapping, punching, kicking, strangulation
• Sexual - forced sexual acts, sexual assault, rape
• Emotional - constant criticism, ridicule, isolation, intimidation
• Financial - withholding or controlling access to money