Your family law firm on Brisbane’s Southside

Blog

what is classed as domestic violence | JMR Lawyers

What Is Classed as Domestic Violence: 6 Different Types

Domestic violence is any behaviour within a relationship that causes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial harm to you.

It is not limited to physical assault—domestic violence includes patterns of control, intimidation, coercion, and isolation.

This form of abuse can occur in intimate relationships, within families, and even in shared living situations.

Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence takes many forms, and it does not always leave visible scars. While physical abuse is often the most recognisable, other types of harm can be just as damaging.

It’s important to understand the different ways domestic violence can affect you or someone you care about.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any act intended to cause bodily harm. This includes hitting, punching, slapping, choking, pushing, burning, or any other form of violence.

Even threats of physical harm can be considered domestic violence if they create fear for your safety.

Key takeaway: Domestic violence is not just about visible injuries—any act that causes physical harm or threatens your safety is considered abuse.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Emotional and psychological abuse can be more difficult to recognise, but it can have long-term effects on your mental health. This type of abuse may include:

  • Insults, humiliation, or belittling
  • Controlling who you can see, where you can go, or what you can do
  • Gaslighting—manipulating you into doubting your own reality
  • Threatening to harm you, your children, pets, or other loved ones
  • Withholding affection as a form of punishment

If someone is making you feel worthless, isolated, or constantly anxious, you may be experiencing psychological abuse.

Key takeaway: Domestic violence can break your confidence and sense of security even when no physical harm is involved.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when someone restricts your access to money or financial resources as a way to control you. It may include:

  • Preventing you from working or controlling your income
  • Taking your money without consent
  • Racking up debts in your name
  • Restricting your access to bank accounts or financial information

Without financial independence, leaving an abusive relationship can feel impossible. If you’re being financially controlled, support services can help you regain stability.

Key takeaway: Being denied financial independence is a form of abuse that can trap you in an unsafe situation.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any unwanted sexual activity or coercion. This includes:

  • Being forced or pressured into sex
  • Unwanted touching
  • Sexual acts performed without consent
  • Being threatened or manipulated into sexual activity

Sexual abuse can happen even in relationships or marriages. If someone disregards your right to say no, they are violating your boundaries.

Key takeaway: Consent is always necessary—being in a relationship does not mean your body belongs to someone else.

Technological and Digital Abuse

Technology is often used as a tool for control in abusive relationships. This can include:

  • Monitoring your phone or social media without consent
  • Controlling who you can talk to online
  • Sending harassing or threatening messages
  • Sharing private images without permission
  • Using GPS tracking to monitor your location

If someone is using technology to intimidate or control you, this is a form of domestic abuse.

Key takeaway: Digital abuse can be just as harmful as physical or emotional abuse, and it is never acceptable.

Social and Cultural Abuse

Abusers may use cultural or religious beliefs to control or oppress you. This can include:

  • Preventing you from practising your faith or forcing you to follow certain religious customs
  • Pressuring you to conform to cultural expectations against your will
  • Using family or community pressure to isolate or control you

If your beliefs or identity are being used against you, it is a form of domestic abuse.

Key takeaway: No one has the right to use culture or religion as an excuse to control or mistreat you.

Seeking Help and Support

If you are experiencing domestic violence, you deserve support. There are services that can help you with:

  • Finding a safe place to stay
  • Accessing financial support
  • Getting legal advice
  • Speaking to a counsellor

If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services. If you are unsure where to turn, helplines and support networks can guide you toward safety and assistance.

Understanding what is classed as domestic violence can help you recognise signs of abuse and seek support.

Whether the abuse is physical, emotional, financial, or digital, it is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is affected, reaching out for help is a step toward a safer future.

We're here for you.

We understand how taxing legal matters can be. With a team of compassionate lawyers ready to fight for you and your family, we’re here for you. 

Contact Us Today

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.