This site uses cookies. Cookies are used to make the website work better, as well as to provide information on how the site is used. By continuing to use our site, we’ll assume you’re okay with this. Read more about the Cookies used here.
Domestic abuse
This can be a worrying time for those living with domestic abuse. If you’re finding it difficult to be at home whilst self-isolating, help and support is available. Visit Safe Lives for more information.
Phone 999 if a crime is being committed or if someone is in immediate danger.
Contact Leicestershire police on 101 if you think a crime has been committed but there is no immediate danger.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of violent, threatening or abusive incidents of behaviour between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family.
It can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial and can include:
- controlling, isolating, threatening or coercive behaviour
- family and partner violence, which can be in the presence of children
- forced marriage
- honour-based violence, used as an umbrella term to describe a collection of practices used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and or religious beliefs
What to look for
If you believe that you or someone else could be a victim of domestic abuse, there are signs that you can look out for including:
- being withdrawn or anxious
- having bruises
- controlling finances
- not being allowed to leave the house
- monitoring technology use such as social media platforms
Help and advice
If you live in Leicestershire, Leicester City or Rutland and you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse or sexual violence, there are many organisations and charities that can offer confidential advice and support:
- Leicestershire Police - 101 (Ask for a Victim Liaison Officer)
- UAVA - 0808 802 0028
- Women’s Aid Leicester - 0116 283 2225
- Leicestershire Citizens Advice - 0844 417 1025
- Men’s Advice Line - 0808 801 0327
- Galop - 0800 999 5428
- Age UK - 0800 678 1174
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
- NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
- Samaritans - 0845 790 9090
If you are in danger, always call 999 and ask for the police.
If you're unable to talk, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. If prompted, press 55 – this will transfer your call to the police. Please note that pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.