Domestic abuse help

Domestic abuse is a serious crime. It is also the largest single reason people become homeless in Leicestershire.

Domestic abuse includes any psychological, social, emotional, physical, sexual or economical abuse of an individual by a partner or ex-partner in an existing or previous domestic relationship, family member or carer. This is regardless of age, race, gender, disability, religious belief or sexual orientation. 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

Further information

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

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

Last updated: 16/12/2024 11:58