Domestic Abuse Awareness Month 2026
This domestic abuse awareness month, Charlotte Worthman, a Paralegal at Goodman Ray, explores what a healthy relationship looks like, what unhealthy or controlling behaviours can look like, and how to recognise some of the warning signs. Relationships should make you feel safe, respected and valued. A healthy relationship is built on trust, open communication and mutual respect. You should feel comfortable being yourself, expressing your feelings and setting boundaries with your partner without fear of how they may react.
What do Unhealthy Behaviours in a Relationship look like?
Unhealthy behaviours can sometimes be difficult to recognise and may even feel normal in the early stages of a relationship. Some behaviours may initially appear to come from a place of care or concern before they become controlling and abusive. For those who have been in a relationship for a long time, these behaviours can become normalised.
It is important to remember that domestic abuse is not always physical. Emotional abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour can often have significant and lasting impacts.
What does a healthy relationship look like?
A healthy relationship should include, but is not limited to:
- You feel safe and respected;
- You feel listened to and able to express your feelings;
- You ae comfortable being yourself;
- You feel trusted and do not feel that you constantly have to prove yourself or your whereabouts;
- You feel equal to your partner and are not pressured or controlled;
- You are able to spend time with friends and family and maintain your own interests;
- You can communicate openly, including when you disagree;
- Your boundaries are respected; and
- Your consent is respected at all times.
Your partner should never make you feel humiliated, frightened or as though you are walking on eggshells. It is always important to remember that disagreements are a normal part of relationships and you should not feel afraid of your partner’s reacting to them.
What are the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship?
Some behaviours that may indicate an unhealthy or controlling relationship include:
- Constantly checking where you are or what you’re doing;
- Controlling where you go, who you see and how you spend your free time;
- Becoming angry or upset when you do not respond immediately to messages or calls;
- Tracking your location or monitoring your phone and social media;
- Telling you what you can and cannot wear;
- Limiting or stopping you from spending time with friends and family;
- Ignoring or crossing your boundaries;
- Ignoring whether you do or do not consent to something; and
- Threatening to hurt themselves, you, or someone else if you try to leave the relationship.
These behaviours can become increasingly controlling over time. It is important to remember that you do not have to experience physical violence for a relationship to be abusive and you should not dismiss the behaviour simply because your partner had not physically hurt you.
If you recognise some of these behaviours in your own relationship, it is important to know that support is available. You can contact trusted friend or domestic abuse specialist teams. Additionally, our team at Goodman Ray can help you through leaving a relationship and give you specialist legal advice to keep yourself and your children
More Domestic Abuse Awareness Month Articles
This month we are publishing four helpful articles on Domestic Abuse, each offering advice and guidance on how you can deal with domestic abuse. Whether it be you personally who is being subjected to domestic abuse, or whether it be a friend or family member, we hope these articles provide you with the information you need. For more information or to get help please contact us.
Article 1 – Practical Tips on How to Support Someone Struggling With Domestic Abuse
Article 2 – Creating a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan – What You Need To Know
Article 3 – Debunking the Myths of Domestic Abuse
Article 4 – How to spot the signs of a Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship
What is Domestic Abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as behaviour towards another person which is abusive. The parties must be aged over 16 or over and personally connected to one another.
The Act states domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional or other abuse.
Support For Victims This Domestic Abuse Awareness Month 2026
Domestic Awareness Month helps to highlight the importance of looking out for instances of domestic abuse and to remember that help and legal protection may be available to those experiencing domestic abuse. At Goodman Ray, our specialist domestic abuse lawyers can advise on applying for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO), an emergency injunction or a Non-Molestation Order.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, Goodman Ray can provide confidential, tailored legal advice about the protection that may be available. Contact our team by completing our online enquiry form or call 020 7608 1227 to discuss your circumstances.
Contact us today
If you have any questions or wish to get legal advice on any of the topics raised above please feel free to contact us.
Call us on 020 7608 1227
