Physical abuse is one of the most recognisable forms of domestic abuse, because it’s often the most visible. It is often a way for an abuser to control you, and it may happen with other forms of abuse.
Identify physical abuse
Below are some examples of this type of abuse, Does your partner, former partner, or family member deliberately do any of the following?
Physical attacks
- Punch, slap, hit, pinch, bite, kick, scratch, push or burn you
- Pull your hair out
- Spit at you, or near you
- Use objects as weapons to attack and hurt you
- Punch walls or break things to frighten you
- Threaten to hurt you, or someone you care about
- Lock you in a room, tie you up or imprison you
Medical abuse
- Misuse medication, for example, give you too little or too much
- Steal or throw away your medication
- Not allow you to take medicines that you need, or see a doctor when you need one
- Make you ill by not allowing you to get the food, water, sleep or warmth you need
- Tell others you're ill when you're not
Restricting your breathing
- Smother you with a cushion, pillow or bag
- Push your face into furniture or a wall, so you can't breathe
- Put your head into the bath or toilet, to try to drown you
- Strangle or choke you, using hands or tying something around your neck, or putting you into a headlock (this could be during an argument or temper fit, or part of 'rough sex')
Non-fatal strangulation
Some victims of domestic abuse will experience strangulation by their abuser. This is a way for an abuser to control you. It can be difficult for other people to identify what's happening.
Strangulation means obstructing blood vessels and/or airways, by external pressure to the neck. It causes a drop in the oxygen supply to the brain. There are different methods of strangulation: it could be by hands on the neck, being put in a headlock, or by something being wrapped tightly around the neck. Non-fatal strangulation is any strangulation that does not directly cause death.
Strangulation is always serious and unsafe. There is risk of death every time. Victims of non-fatal strangulation are seven times more likely to be killed later. Find out more about the effects and risks of strangulation
Whether you have been strangled once or one hundred times, whether it was today or a long time ago, it is never too late to speak to someone. Remember, if you are in danger, please call 999 immediately.
Damaging your property
An abuser can use this as a way to control you. Often, property damage will be part of a wider pattern of violent behaviour, and may get worse over time, to include physical violence.
Get support
Find support in our local service directory
Related forms of abuse
Physical abuse and domestic violence often happen in combination with other forms of abuse. Find out more by visiting our separate pages on: