Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.

Drug addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications, or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication.

The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted varies by drug. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others.

As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms).

You may need help from your doctor, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program to overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free.

Symptoms

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
• Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
• Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it’s causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
• Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug
• Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

Recognizing unhealthy drug use in family members

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications that your teenager or other family member is using drugs include:

• Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance
• Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes
• Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks
• Changes in behavior — exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends
• Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they’re being sold to support drug use

Recognizing signs of drug use or intoxication

Signs and symptoms of drug use or intoxication may vary, depending on the type of drug. Below you’ll find several examples.

Marijuana, hashish and other cannabis-containing substances

People use cannabis by smoking, eating or inhaling a vaporized form of the drug. Cannabis often precedes or is used along with other substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs, and is often the first drug tried.

Bail bonds and the bail bond process stays pretty consistent with the processes established.

When it comes to common arrests for petty crimes, the bail bonds process will only really vary based on the location of the arrest. While the actual bail bonds process remains the same, wait times for release will vary, depending on if the arrestee is being held at a local city jail within a police station or has been transferred to a county jail. Wait times can also vary based on how busy the particular police station or jail is and how the staff is being utilized that particular day.

For the most part, bail cost and other details will remain constant. But there are instances throughout the state where the bail process will differ in ways that aren’t contingent on the particular location of arrest. Here are 4 different bail forms that vary slightly depending on the actual crime a suspect is charged with and the nature of their citizenship.

Cash Bonds

A cash bond is used in a situation when a defendant, friend, or family member requests to simply pay cash for their bail. Once the defendant completes the required probationary terms of their arrest, and shows up to all their court hearings, the money is returned in whole. This is not a recommended option because bail is usually thousands of dollars. This type of cash can be saved for more important or immediate needs; rather than using it to obtain a release from jail. This type of bond has been a popular choice for elite persons, celebrities, professional athletes, and other exclusive groups.

Surety Bonds

Surety bonds are another popular choice when it comes to obtaining a release from jail following an arrest. Surety bonds work like this: once a person is arrested and taken into custody, another person or themselves can contact a professional indemnitor, such as a bail bondsman, to assist in the bail process. These types of bail bonds usually include some form of collateral for the required bail amount. This is because the person being released on bail will most likely have ongoing court stipulations, such as drug testing and counseling, that must be completed or the indemnitor takes on the responsibility of the entire bail amount. So the personal signing for the bail bond will most likely have to pay a non-refundable fee (a percentage of the full bail amount) as the collateral. This form of bail bond is most popular among the general population.

Federal Bonds

These bonds are not as common as the ones mentioned above. This is because they are only used in the case of a federal crime. Crimes such as these include embezzlement, tax evasion, kidnapping, bank robbery, aircraft hi-jacking, counterfeiting, and more. These bonds, for good reason, are more expensive than the other common forms of bail bonds. Using a reputable and experienced bail bondsman for federal bonds is very beneficial and can make a big difference in a person’s bonding process.

Immigration Bonds

Immigration bonds sound self-explanatory. They are a little more complicated than the average person would think. They are extremely complicated because they are for crimes that involve foreign nationals and non-us citizens. They are expensive, just like federal bonds, because they require a bail bondsman to take on a great deal of risk. For examples, a person that is a citizen of Canada can commit a crime in the United States, then flee back to Canada once out on bail; leaving the bail bond agency responsible for the full bond (which can range from thousands to millions of dollars) because the defendant is not here to serve for their crimes.

Although a lot of juvenile crimes resemble those for adult crimes, penalties and laws associated with juvenile criminal offenses are substantially different. Two of the most significant distinctions are that juveniles are not entitled to a trial by jury, nor are they permitted to be discharged on bail.

A juvenile criminal is anyone under the age of 18. When your child is being charged with juvenile crimes, it is of the utmost importance that you have an experience juvenile and family law attorney to represent you and your child. With many juvenile cases, an experienced attorney can get a lighter sentence or in some cases, rehabilitation instead of placement in a state juvenile facility.

Juvenile crimes can be categorized by misdemeanors and or felonies. the categorization of the crime is based upon the crimes intensity and or violence in some cases. This is especially so, when there is also a sexual criminal offense attached to the crime or if the crime is committed on a school campus, if there is gang involvement in the commencement of the crime or in the event that a tool is used as a weapon, then the juvenile crime may be subject to being charged as an adult, in which case, bail may be set and he or she can be tried by a jury.

There are many causes for juvenile delinquency, but many studies point to parental neglect, abuse, school problems, or community issues. Research has shown that many individuals who are charged with crimes as a juvenile go on to be offenders at the adult level as well. Programs for rehabilitation and education go a long way toward correcting destructive behavior, but do not always prove to be successful.

Several states have taken steps to ensure that juveniles are not removed from the home, in the interest of preserving the family unit. In these cases, the offenders are usually required to pay restitution, surrender drivers’ licenses, and commit to programs for rehabilitation. Other states have strong institutional systems in place for removing delinquents from the streets and placing them in juvenile detention centers.

Being tried as a juvenile often differs greatly from adult criminal trials. Most juvenile cases are heard in an informal manner, although severe crimes may require a more formal trial. If the juvenile admits guilt and shows remorse, the judge may issue an informal disposition requiring the youth to meet specific requirements. Juveniles are provided the standard rights to due process, rights against self-incrimination, and the right to call witnesses.

Part of preventing juvenile crime is by giving youths a suitable substitute to the gang mentality.

That being said, some of the more common state run projects to preclude juvenile crime are state sponsored youth initiatives as well as drug abuse education.

Along with these activities, the state also diverts a substantial amount of tax monies into supplying and maintaining correctional facilities whose focus is the rehabilitation of minors involved in juvenile crime.

No matter what the primary cause of juvenile wickedness is, the fact remains that it is a significant issue that we need to address as a society.

Only by the fair address of juvenile crime at the community level can we take the steps required to win over the disenfranchised youth.

If this subject interests you, you may have enlightening experience, real stories, instructive opinions or a burning problem to deal with. Why not publishing your concerns, expressing your thoughts, sharing your advice? It is easy, right on the form of our page referred to in the link hereafter.

Across the country, the threat of identity theft continues to climb, this white collar crime continues to plague Canadian consumers, and while it has a direct impact on your wallet, its not just about the money anymore. From using your medical benefits to enable illegal immigration to more insidious crimes, identity fraud criminals are continually inventing new ways to use stolen information.

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing means of stealing money and other important information from complete and innocent strangers. The non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center, defines it as being “sub-divided into four categories: Financial Identity Theft (using another’s name and SSN to obtain goods and services), Criminal Identity Theft (posing as another when apprehended for a crime), Identity Cloning (using another’s information to assume his or her identity in daily life) and Business/Commercial Identity Theft (using another’s business name to obtain credit).”

Although Identity theft is quickly becoming much harder to achieve, there are still those who are seeking out a way to steal another person’s identity. Being diligent and understanding how identity thieves operate will go along way towards ensuring that you do not fall victim to this crime.

Identities theft works in a variety of ways. The most common is through appropriation of credit cards or their details. It is easier to steal someone’s identity through a credit card that through other means since there are no pictures attached for photo identification.

Often, thieves steal information from your credit cards through receipts that are thrown away in the trash, as well as retrieving the information from people’s mailboxes. Once the thief has the information that is needed, which typically includes the credit card number, the security number for the credit card, and an individual’s home address, birth date, and possibly even driver’s license number, they are well on their way to stealing and charging funds that do not belong to them.

If you receive bills for merchandise/services you didn’t buy, or get a call from a merchant complaining about a bill you didn’t pay for something you didn’t order, you’re very probably facing identity theft. Here’s the process you should follow. Note: You might also wish to read the FTC’s webpage (ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft) on this topic.

First, get as much information as you can from the merchant, such as when the purchase took place, type of credit used (credit line or credit card), account number, monetary amount, where the bills were sent, and if a credit application was filled out (if so, get a copy of it). Explain to the merchant that you’ve been a victim of identity theft – always use that term, “identity theft” – and request that he not report the bill to the credit bureau in your name.

Introduction

Have you ever imagined being accused of murder or manslaughter? It sounds detrimental and a worst crime one can imagine. These type of cases attract the most absurd experiences and painful penalties if found guilty. The suspects are also subjected to serious scrutiny unravelling all the possible impeccable possibilities.

Best Murder and Manslaughter Lawyer in Burlington is among the prolific lawyers with vast experience and knowledge to assists one, if convicted of serious crimes of such magnitude.

What is Homicide?

Homicide occurs when one person causes the death of another person. There are two types of homicide: “culpable” and “non-culpable”. The law is only concerned with culpable homicide.

Homicide is defined in the Criminal Code as follows:

• Homicide
  • 222. (1) A person commits homicide when, directly or indirectly, by any means, he causes the death of a human being.
• Kinds of homicide
  • (2) Homicide is culpable or not culpable.
• Non culpable homicide
  • (3) Homicide that is not culpable is not an offence.
• Culpable homicide
  • (4) Culpable homicide is murder or manslaughter or infanticide.
  • (5) A person commits culpable homicide when he causes the death of a human being,
  • (a) by means of an unlawful act,
  • (b) by criminal negligence,
  • (c) by causing that human being, by threats or fear of violence or by deception, to do anything that causes his death, or
  • (d) by wilfully frightening that human being, in the case of a child or sick person.

What is the Penalty for Murder or Manslaughter?

The automatic fate for culprits associated with murder and manslaughter is life imprisonment. The degree of murder does not account or determine the number of years one will spend in jail. Regardless of the situation, usually the minimum years that can be embedded on one’s head are normally 25 years. Conversely, the manslaughter cases may get an exemption if the Criminal Defense Law Firm Burlington is incorporated while seeking justice. Some brutal murder cases can attract execution in some states where the culprits are termed as a curse to the society.

Categories of Murder and Manslaughter.

As law practitioners put it, there are several classes of murder depending on the magnitude and the technique used. The first class involves killing using malice and is done deliberately. Burlington lawyers are however cautious when dealing with such cases involving murder with consent. The second class involves killing during the process of anger. This is commonly referred to as manslaughter and is also punishable by law.

The third instance occurs when one uses explosives or sets the victims on fire. For this occurrence, the culprit is charged with terrorism murder which may attract a lifetime penalty without trial. These actions may be done willingly or unwillingly but as for Burlington lawyers they will offer the best advice and try to exonerate the victim from life imprisonment.

Why you should seek services from Experienced Law Firm?

Murder and Manslaughter Lawyer Burlington is one of the most experienced defense attorneys who can be trusted with cases of such magnitude. Sometimes the court may offer impartial judgments and without a robust defense team, one may end up rotting in Jail. In case the court imposes the verdict to face the long-term Jail sentence, the defense counsel will always look for credible ways to contest the verdict and allow their clients seek a free and fair Judgment.

Having dealt with similar cases for a number of years will enable them differentiate whether the situation was murder with consent or manslaughter. We are always up to ensure that both the victims and culprits pursue justice to the fullest.

Bail bonds and the bail bond process stays pretty consistent with the processes established.

When it comes to common arrests for petty crimes, the bail bonds process will only really vary based on the location of the arrest. While the actual bail bonds process remains the same, wait times for release will vary, depending on if the arrest is being held at a local city jail within a police station or has been transferred to a county jail. Wait times can also vary based on how busy the particular police station or jail is and how the staff is being utilized that particular day.

For the most part, bail cost and other details will remain constant. But there are instances throughout the state where the bail process will differ in ways that aren’t contingent on the particular location of arrest. Here are 4 different bail forms that vary slightly depending on the actual crime a suspect is charged with and the nature of their citizenship.

Cash Bonds

A cash bond is used in a situation when a defendant, friend, or family member requests to simply pay cash for their bail. Once the defendant completes the required probationary terms of their arrest, and shows up to all their court hearings, the money is returned in whole. This is not a recommended option because bail is usually thousands of dollars. This type of cash can be saved for more important or immediate needs; rather than using it to obtain a release from jail. This type of bond has been a popular choice for elite persons, celebrities, professional athletes, and other exclusive groups.

Surety Bonds

Surety bonds are another popular choice when it comes to obtaining a release from jail following an arrest. Surety bonds work like this: once a person is arrested and taken into custody, another person or themselves can contact a professional indemnitor, such as a bail bondsman, to assist in the bail process. These types of bail bonds usually include some form of collateral for the required bail amount. This is because the person being released on bail will most likely have ongoing court stipulations, such as drug testing and counseling, that must be completed or the indemnitor takes on the responsibility of the entire bail amount. So the personal signing for the bail bond will most likely have to pay a non-refundable fee (a percentage of the full bail amount) as the collateral. This form of bail bond is most popular among the general population.

Federal Bonds

These bonds are not as common as the ones mentioned above. This is because they are only used in the case of a federal crime. Crimes such as these include embezzlement, tax evasion, kidnapping, bank robbery, aircraft hi-jacking, counterfeiting, and more. These bonds, for good reason, are more expensive than the other common forms of bail bonds. Using a reputable and experienced bail bondsman for federal bonds is very beneficial and can make a big difference in a person’s bonding process.

Immigration Bonds

Immigration bonds sound self-explanatory. They are a little more complicated than the average person would think. They are extremely complicated because they are for crimes that involve foreign nationals and non-us citizens. They are expensive, just like federal bonds, because they require a bail bondsman to take on a great deal of risk. For examples, a person that is a citizen of Canada can commit a crime in the United States, then flee back to Canada once out on bail; leaving the bail bond agency responsible for the full bond (which can range from thousands to millions of dollars) because the defendant is not here to serve for their crimes.

The possible penalties that a juvenile offender may receive usually depend on the age of the individual and if the court will try him or her as a juvenile or an adult. The factors may specifically rely on the severity of the crime and all elements of the offense to include the injury or death of the victim involved in the situation.

Penalties Based on Age

Generally, a person under the age of eighteen will receive penalties from juvenile offenses based on his or her age. These offenses could, however, increase in severity which may also change the possible punishments. The judge will usually decide how best to proceed based on the possible remorse of the individual for the crime committed or how he or she acts in the courtroom. The age of someone under twelve may decrease penalties significantly because the child may not understand the consequences of his or her actions. Someone that is eighteen to 22 usually will face the most severe punishments because the judge will see this person has an adult.

Other Factors

The judge in these proceedings may also apply other factors to the situation depending on the person in the courtroom. If the youth has a disability, does not understand legal processes or is from a country where his or her actions are not illegal, the judge may give leniency. Some individuals will still proceed through juvenile courts even when eighteen to 22 based on some of these or other factors. In the end, it is up to the judge how best to decide what penalties apply and when it is appropriate to convict the individual as a minor or an adult.

Children under the Age of Twelve

While most minors that commit crimes will face a judge through juvenile court, those that are under the age of twelve generally will not proceed through this same situation. The youth is often too young to understand the criminal justice system and will not face prosecution. The young person will face his or her parents and a youth care office with some criminal activity. Counseling or someone in these agencies will provide assistance to determine the cause of the child’s actions. However, if the crimes get out of hand or become a continued issue, the courts may appoint a family supervisor to monitor and decide what to do next.

The HALT Program

Some offenses lead to the use of the Hunger Anger Loneliness and Tiredness program used to prevent crime with juveniles. The youth is given the opportunity and chance to right the wrong done. Apologies to the victim are one instance of this program at work. Other times, the child must pay for the damage caused such as vandalism with property. When obligations are complete and fulfilled as considered successful by program sponsors, the youth will no longer have a criminal record in place. Those seeking to use this program may decide it is necessary with certain at-risk teens.

Juvenile Detention Center

While there are many alternatives available through programs, community service and outreach and even counseling that may provide a means of rehabilitation, the youth may also face incarceration through a juvenile detention center. The judge may determine that the best way to scare the young person into seeking a way out of criminal activity is to place him or her in the facility for a short duration. Other judges will use this penalty as a way to enforce the possible ramifications that are possible based on the actions of the minor. If no other alternative is sufficient for the crimes or the young person is not scared enough, the detention center is the only way to punish him or her.

Unpaid Work

There are certain programs and even community service that a juvenile will have as one penalty if the crime is minor in nature.

However, the judge may issue community service or other unpaid work as an addition to different punishments. The goal is to train the youth to work for others in providing a service to the community and improve the neighborhood in most circumstances.

Legal Help with Juvenile Penalties

When a youth commits a crime, he or she may need to hire a lawyer to help mitigate the possible penalties and damage of incarceration or other punishments that are more severe. By presenting the case to the judge, it is possible to receive a lesser sentence that still makes the mark and helps to rehabilitate the teen.

Theft and robbery both involve crimes against other people’s property. When you come to us with a theft or robbery charge, our lawyers will discuss the particulars of your case, then discuss your options. Depending on your record and the evidence against you, your options may be very wide, or very limited.

Theft: Over And Under $5,000

Theft is treated very differently depending on the value of the goods taken. If the value is less than $5,000, it could be treated as a summary offence and you may be able to avoid serious consequences. If it’s over $5,000, you could be looking at up to 10 years in prison.

There may be a variety of ways to deal with your charge.

Even if there is solid evidence against you, if this is your first offence, you may be able to get into a diversion program in which the charges are withdrawn if you go through a theft prevention course.

Robbery

Robbery is basically theft with a weapon, though the weapon doesn’t have to be a gun or knife. It can be anything that can be used in a threatening manner.

Robbery can include mandatory minimums in certain circumstances. This means that the judge will not have a choice about sending you to prison if you are found guilty or plead guilty.

Often our approach focuses on getting the weapons charge removed, so that your charge can be treated as a theft and give us more flexibility. Whether we can do this will often depend on what kind of weapon was used and how it was used.

The Circumstances Of Your Arrest

Often your case will depend on how the police acted during the investigation and arrest. Even if the evidence is strong, if it was obtained improperly, it cannot be used against you. Evidence against you may include:

• Witness statements: Eyewitnesses do not always remember events accurately, especially if the events happen very quickly.
• Your own statements: Even if you have given incriminating statements, they cannot be used against you if obtained improperly.
• Property: There may be a number of reasons why you have certain property in your possession.
• Surveillance footage: This can sometimes be favourable to your case — but if it isn’t, we may still be able to find ways to make it less incriminating.

We will let you know the strengths and weaknesses of your case. If your best alternative is to plead guilty, we will find a way to protect you from excessive negative consequences.

The charges of theft and related criminal offences are quite serious. Conviction may lead to incarceration. It is natural to be stressed and confused if you have been accused, but the important thing is to act quickly. To receive expert legal advice and representation, turn to Theft Lawyer Burlington. You will have an experienced and skilled professional fighting your cases and protecting your rights.

For years, we have provided legal services of the highest quality to individuals charged with various type of criminal offences including theft under $5,000, theft over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime. All lawyers on our team have significant and diverse experience. We recognize that each case is different and has unique circumstances. That is why our approach is completely individual. This has brought us huge success in the past evident from our achievement record. It is our belief that we can litigate successfully even the most complex cases and bring the desired outcome to our clients.

There are many different aspects related to theft offence charges. The Criminal Code of Canada provides for more severe penalty for theft over $5,000 with the highest being ten years’ incarceration. Even if there is conviction for theft under $5,000, the convicted may be sentenced to up to two years in prison. There is also the possibility of returning the stolen property for reduction of the penalty. Negotiating withdrawal of the charges may also be an option. It depends on the skills of the defence counselor. With Theft Lawyer Hamilton, you will have the best defence strategy built specifically for your case. You will have an experienced professional working for you with absolute dedication. Everything will be done to achieve the best result. Our work has always been goal-orientated.

The first step of the process involves legal advice. A lawyer from our team will explain the situation and the possible outcomes and answer all of your questions. This will enable you to make the right decision regarding your legal representation. When you choose us, you will receive elite services right from the start. Your counselor will examine all details of your case and gather all the necessary information for analysis. This will be used for developing a strong strategy for your defence. Your attorney will work with a team of support specialists for the best possible preparation. Rest assured that the strategy will provide for all possible challenges that may come on our way to reaching the set objective.

Our individual approach always includes full personal attention. You can turn to your Theft Lawyer in Burlington to ask questions and get advice and support at any time. The professional will work closely with you to prepare you perfectly for the road ahead. It is our commitment to make you feel as confident as possible given the circumstances. Your lawyer will fight your case with skill, dedication and zeal and with the use of all legal tools available. The goal will be to achieve the best possible end result.

If you or a close person has been accused of theft, get in touch with us right away.

Since the mid-20th century, gang violence in this country has become widespread and reports have increased for 5 of the past 7 years. Despite the steady growth in the number and size of gangs across Canada and the criminal behavior and violence they spawn, little is known about the dynamics that drive gangs and how to best combat their growth. For instance, no consensus exists on how gangs form, and few gang prevention programs have been rigorously evaluated.

Prevention refers to services, programs or activities designed to prevent people from joining gangs. Prevention often focuses on young persons. Situational gang crime prevention focuses more on the situational causes of crime and less on the dispositional traits of specific offenders and often addresses the environmental and opportunistic factors that influence offender decision-making.

Information provided by the Integrated Gangs and Weapons Enforcement Unit of the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) showed a growing trend in youth gang involvement in the Hamilton area. The 2009 HPS report showed a 7% increase in crime among youth (ages 12-17) and increased accessibility to gangs due to internet recruitment efforts.

To address the issue of youth gangs, Living Rock Ministries, a non-profit Christian outreach based in downtown Hamilton, delivered the Gang Prevention Strategy (GPS) with approximately 2.3M in funding from the National Crime Prevention Centre (NCPC). The program was implemented from April 2007 to March 2011. It targeted youth aged 13 to 25 who were at risk of gang involvement, or were already gang-involved.

To make anti-gang strategies most successful, an important first step involves conducting an assessment of the problem. An up-front assessment of a problem helps leaders understand the problem in as much detail as possible. The leaders can then focus planning and target their actions on a plan that saves time and money in the long run.

The assessment process generally consists of three steps:

1. Laying the groundwork and identifying people who can oversee the entire process and provide direction for data collection efforts.
2. Collecting data, analyzing and interpreting it using a range of indicators in multiple domains.
3. Preparing reports, findings and final reports that explain in detail the nature and extent of the situation.

Domestic violence, or family violence, is violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour in a relationship. There are many types of domestic violence, including social, physical, sexual and emotional. If you’re being subjected to domestic violence, there are a number of organisations that can offer you help and support.

This can help if:

• you’re in an abusive relationship
• you don’t know what to do about your abusive relationship
• you don’t know where to go to get help
• you don’t know what your rights are.

What is domestic violence?

For violence to be ‘domestic’, it doesn’t have to occur within your home, only within a relationship (with family or an intimate partner). It occurs when someone close to you has power and control over you. This control or abuse can be expressed in different ways.

Physical abuse

If someone is hurting you physically, or is threatening to hurt you, a loved one or a pet, then you will need to take action. Read more about physical abuse and learn where to get support.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse often goes unrecognised and can be very hurtful. Someone who is emotionally abusive towards you wants to chip away at your feelings of self-worth and independence. Read more about what constitutes emotional abuse.

Economic abuse

If someone close to you controls your finances, and keeps you financially dependent on them so that you always have to ask them for money, this is a form of domestic violence.

Social abuse

Social domestic violence occurs when someone insults or humiliates you in front of other people, keeps you isolated from family and friends, or controls what you do and where you go.

Spiritual abuse

Spiritual domestic violence involves preventing you from having your own opinions about religion, cultural beliefs and values. It may also involve manipulating your thoughts on spirituality in order to make you feel powerless.

How can you keep yourself safe?

An abuser may exert control by downplaying the seriousness of what they’re doing to you. As a result, it’s easy to underestimate the amount of danger you’re in. It’s vital to protect yourself from harm if you feel that you’re being abused.

Decide if you’re in any immediate danger

How likely is it that someone will hurt you? Sometimes it’s hard to work out the danger or risks yourself. If you’re unsure about your safety, it’s important to talk to someone. If you feel uncomfortable, you may have to move to somewhere safe.

Get support

Making a decision to leave a situation where you feel unsafe may be hard and scary. If possible, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, counsellor or youth worker.