The Domestic Abuse Signs and Behaviours Cards are a free, printable PDF tool designed to help people understand the different types of domestic abuse and how they may appear in everyday life. Covering a wide range of abusive behaviours, these cards make it easier to recognise warning signs, raise awareness, and support survivors.
Each card highlights a behaviour linked to a type of abuse, including:
Physical abuse – hitting, strangling, hurting during pregnancy, or denying medical care
Emotional and psychological abuse – insults, blame, manipulation, isolation, or threats
Financial abuse – controlling money, blocking access to essentials, or forcing debt
Sexual abuse – pressuring, forcing, or controlling sexual activity and choices
Isolation and control – stopping contact with friends/family, monitoring movements
Threats and intimidation – using fear, weapons, pets, or self-harm threats to control
Stalking and harassment – constant calls, following, showing up uninvited
Digital abuse – hacking, spying through devices, or online harassment
Pregnancy and health abuse – blocking treatment, harming during pregnancy
Children and parenting abuse – undermining parenting, using children as tools
Minimising and blaming – denying abuse, excusing it, or blaming the victim
Honour-based abuse – forced marriage, threats linked to “family honour”
Immigration abuse – threatening deportation, taking documents, blocking help
Pets and property abuse – harming pets, damaging belongings, cutting utilities
How these cards can be used:
One-to-one support – survivors select cards that reflect their experiences, aiding disclosure
Awareness training – for schools, health services, and community workshops
Support planning – helping survivors identify risks and safety needs
Education with young people – teaching about healthy vs unhealthy relationships
Displays and resources – in GP surgeries, schools, workplaces, and community centres
Who they are for:
Social workers, counsellors, and domestic abuse advocates
Teachers, youth workers, and safeguarding leads
Healthcare professionals and community leaders
Survivors and their support networks
These cards are written in clear, simple language, making them accessible for adults, young people, and training settings. They encourage open conversations and help people see that abuse is not only physical—it can take many forms.
This is a powerful awareness and training tool to recognise abuse, support survivors, and promote healthy relationships. Perfect for safeguarding,
