Domestic violence is an abuse of power, where one person in a relationship uses a variety of tactics to gain and maintain power and control over the other person.
An abuser will use a variety of tactics, including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse to maintain control.
Domestic violence is not a single incident, but is a pattern of behaviour which is used to gain and maintain control over the other person, often over a long period of time.
Many abusers tactics are subtle and the impacts are hard to recognise.
Carmel McNamee is the Manager of domestic violence advocacy service which covers Sligo, Leitrim and West Cavan - she joined us on the show to help raise awareness of this issue
For more support or advice you can contact
http://www.domesticviolence.ie/
Domestic Violence Advocacy service 071 8141515