On this page, we talk about violence and abuse.

We explain what violence and abuse can be like in a relationship.

For example, from your:

• partner, like a boyfriend or girlfriend
• friends
• family.

There is support available if the information on this page upsets you.

You can find out more on our page about support.

On this page:

• How to know if you are experiencing violence or abuse
• Types of violence and abuse
• Example story

It is important to understand what violence and abuse can be like in a relationship.

This will help you work out if you are experiencing violence or abuse.

Violence and abuse can include someone hurting you:

• physically
• sexually
• emotionally.

It can also include someone:

• talking to you in a bad way
• trying to control you.

There are different types of violence and abuse.

You might experience violence and abuse because of your gender.

You can find out more on our page about violence or abuse because of your gender.

You might experience domestic and family violence.

You can find out more on our page about domestic and family violence.

You might experience physical violence.

You can find out more on our page about physical violence or abuse.

You might experience financial violence or abuse.

You can find out more on our page about financial violence or abuse.

You might experience emotional violence or abuse.

You can find out more on our page about emotional violence or abuse.

You might experience coercive control.

You can find out more on our page about coercive control.

You might experience sexual violence or abuse.

You can find out more on our page about sexual violence and abuse.

You might experience someone trying to scare or control you using:

• your phone
• your computer
• the internet.

You can find out more on our page about violence or abuse through technology.

You might experience stalking.

You can find out more on our page about stalking.

You might experience violence or abuse because of your religion or culture.

You can find out more on our page about violence or abuse because of your religion or culture.

You might experience someone trying to control your daily life.

We wrote a story to show an example of what violence and abuse can be like in a relationship.

The story we wrote is about a person called Hallie.

The story and the people in it are not real.

We made them up to explain what violence and abuse can be like in a relationship.

Hallie just started going out with her boyfriend Ric.

Ric has an ex‑girlfriend who said that Ric treated her badly.

Hallie tries to ask Ric questions about his ex‑girlfriend.

But Ric always:

• says mean things about his ex‑girlfriend
• calls her names.

Hallie knows this is an example of coercive control.

She thinks that he could be dangerous.

Hallie decides to stop going out with Ric.