Why language matters: domestic abuse is broader than domestic violence

From the NSPCC'S Library and Information Service specialists 

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘domestic violence’? For many, it’s closely associated with incidents of physical violence perpetrated by one partner against another. But domestic abuse doesn’t have to involve physical violence, and its effects are felt by everyone exposed to the abuse. It’s important not to limit our understanding of domestic abuse; and this starts with addressing how we talk about it.

The different types of domestic abuse

The phrase ‘domestic violence’ implies that we are talking solely about physical violence. This may restrict how we view abusive relationships and narrow our perceptions of what constitutes abuse. Although physical domestic violence is a serious form of abuse, it is crucial that we acknowledge the many other types that are sometimes overlooked. These include:¹

• coercive control and emotional abuse, including behaviour that threatens, humiliates, intimidates or makes a person dependent on an abuser²
• online or digital abuse, including abuse perpetrated over social media or the monitoring of emails and texts³
• economic and financial abuse, including behaviour that impacts a person’s financial freedom or controls their actions.⁴

Evidence shows that these other forms of abuse can occur before, alongside or without the presence of physical violence.⁵ Non-physical forms of abuse can have a significant impact on the lives of those involved,⁶ including any children in the household.⁷ For example, emotional abuse has been found to contribute to feelings of loneliness and despair.⁸ So it’s important that conversations around domestic abuse are not limited to incidents of physical violence.

How this can impact services

The term ‘domestic violence’ can influence how professionals recognise and respond to abuse. A focus on physical violence has been highlighted in the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s briefing on safeguarding and domestic abuse, summarised in our CASPAR Briefing. The Panel’s report identified that an overemphasis on physical violence meant that non-physical incidents were sometimes viewed as ‘low level’ concerns, resulting in a lack of professional support or intervention.⁹

The same briefing, and our wider analysis of case reviews, also identified issues with professionals overlooking the fact that children were directly experiencing and affected by domestic abuse. When professionals focus on incidents of physical violence, this perpetuates a narrative of one person committing a violent act against another and may reinforce the belief that the only person impacted by domestic abuse is the person on the receiving end of physical violence with less concern for the wider family. This can also make it seem as though the relationship is no longer abusive if the violence stops.

> Listen to our podcast on domestic abuse and child protection

Legislation in England and Wales recognises children who are affected by domestic abuse as victims of domestic abuse in their own right¹⁰ and legislation in both Scotland¹¹ and Northern Ireland¹² also recognises the impact of domestic abuse on children.

Domestic abuse undermines a child's basic need for safety and security. It can have a serious effect on their behaviour, brain development, education outcomes and overall wellbeing.

> Read more about the impact of domestic abuse on children

Using the phrase ‘domestic abuse’ in place of ‘domestic violence’ can help prompt professionals to think about different types of abuse beyond direct physical violence and provide support for families accordingly. It can also encourage exploration of the issue through a child protection lens, as an issue that can and does have an adverse affect on children. Acknowledging the impact on children can help prompt a child protection response.

How language impacts people experiencing abuse

People who are experiencing domestic abuse aren’t always able to recognise their relationship as abusive.¹³ Terminology which focuses on violence can alienate people living with other forms of abuse or cause them to minimise their own experiences. The phrase domestic abuse can be a good starting point in helping families recognise when they are experiencing abuse and feel more confident in seeking support.

Making small changes in how we talk about domestic abuse, by avoiding misleading terminology, can make a real difference for professionals and the wider public.

Using the phrase domestic abuse is one step towards encouraging a safeguarding response to domestic abuse, increasing society’s awareness of the many forms the abuse can take, and supporting professionals to have effective conversations about all types of abuse.

Find out more about domestic abuse and child protection on NSPCC Learning:

• Podcast: why domestic abuse is a child protection issue
• Domestic abuse: learning from case reviews
• Protecting children from domestic abuse