Domestic abuse help

Domestic abuse is a crime that Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council takes very seriously. It is also the largest single reason why people become homeless in Leicestershire.

Domestic abuse includes any psychological, social, emotional, physical or economical abuse of an individual by a family member, carer, partner or ex-partner in an existing or previous domestic relationship. This is regardless of race, gender, disability, age, HIV status, religious or political belief, sexual orientation, class or location. Domestic abuse is about the use of power to assert and maintain control over another person.

It can involve, but is not restricted to:

• Physical abuse - including slapping, shoving, punching, pushing, kicking, burning, stabbing. Physical abuse can sometimes start off with a 'minor' incident, but can often lead to serious injury such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, persistent ill-health and worse
• Sexual abuse - including rape, sexual assault, enforced prostitution and being forced to engage in unwanted sex acts and abuse
• Psychological and emotional abuse - including being constantly humiliated and degraded, being made to keep the house to exacting standards, threats to children and threats to oneself
• Economic abuse – the offender might refuse to pay child maintenance or anything for the children, force to account for every penny, not permit to work or earn money independently, not provide any money to go anywhere or to buy essential items, possibly with the argument it will be "wasted on silly things". The offender might also threaten to take to court, disallow use of any utilities in the home, get into debt, or incite or commit acts of fraud
• Controlling behaviours – a range of acts designed to make a person feel lesser and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour
• Coercive behaviours – a continuing act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim

For confidential help and advice on domestic abuse, contact the Domestic Abuse Outreach Service in the following ways:

• Complete our online domestic abuse contact form
• Telephone:
  • Call or text 07966 202181
  • 01455 238141 and ask to speak to the Domestic Abuse Outreach Service.

Last updated: 04/10/2023 14:02