Domestic abuse

Local Helpline 0808 80 200 28  (8am - 8pm Mon-Sun)   

National Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)

The new 2021 statutory definition of domestic abuse is ‘the behaviour of one person towards another where:

- both people are aged 16 or over, and

- are personally connected to each other, and

- the behaviour is abusive'

Behaviour is ‘abusive’ if it consists of any of the following:

• physical or sexual abuse
• violent or threatening behaviour
• controlling or coercive behaviour
• economic abuse
• psychological, emotional or other abuse

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse. It can happen in all kinds of relationships - regardless of age, race, sex, sexuality, disability, wealth, gender identity, and lifestyle.

It also includes forced marriage, female genital mutilation and so called 'honour' based violence.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 also recognises children as victims of domestic abuse if they have seen, heard or experienced the effects of domestic abuse.

How to get help

There are many agencies that deal with domestic abuse, however, in an emergency call the Police on 999.

If you want confidential help and advice at other times call:

• Local Helpline 0808 80 200 28 (Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Mon-Sun 8am - 8pm)
• National Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
• Police 101
• Housing Advice Tel: 0800 952 0079 (Emergency Out of Hours Service 01530 833 373)
• Leicestershire Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 278 7854
• Child Line 0800 1111
• NSPCC Help Line 0808 800 5000
• Samaritans 116 123

Assistance is also available to help improve security such as replacement locks and window shock alarms, giving victims the option to remain in their own homes. 

Our approach

We believe every person has a right to be safe from fear of abuse. We also believe that:

• Domestic abuse is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated
• Violence in relationships is an abuse of power as well as likely to be a criminal offence
• Anyone experiencing domestic abuse should be supported and protected from further abuse.

It is important to emphasise that although statistics show that domestic abuse is most commonly perpetrated by men against women, it can also be instigated by women against men. Abuse or violence may also take form in same sex, bi-sexual or transgender relationships and can also include children.

We work effectively with other agencies to support victims of domestic abuse. We are part of the Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership's Domestic Abuse Priority Action Group which is attended by partners such as the police and Leicestershire County Council. Its purpose is to bring together different agencies involved in supporting victims to improve coordination and raise awareness.

Domestic Homicide Reviews

The Safer North West Leicestershire Partnership is responsible for carrying out domestic homicide reviews in this area.  A domestic homicide review (DHR) is a review of the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by:-

• a person to whom they were related or with whom they had been in an intimate personal relationship, or

• a member of the same household as themselves.

More information and domestic homicide reviews published for Leicestershire & Rutland can be found at www.lrdhr.org.uk.