The government definition of domestic abuse is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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.

The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:

Psychological

Physical

Sexual

Financial

Emotional

Controlling behaviour:
is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour:
is an act or a pattern of acts assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

The serious crime act 2015 received Royal Assent on 3rd March 2015. The Act creates a new offence of controlling and coercive behaviour between intimate partners or family members.