Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence over an intimate partner. It can also be called Domestic violence or intimate partner violence.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, faith or class

Victims of domestic abuse may also include a child or other relative, or any other household member.

Use open discovery questions to make the most of conversations by recognising an opportunity to discuss health and wellbeing.

Establishing how the person is. Ask questions such as 'how do you feel about speaking to any agencies for support or help?' or 'What help or support have you looked to engage with ?'

Acknowledge the response by using healthy conversation skills such as active listening, reflecting or showing empathy. This will allow for a joint understanding of the support a person needs.

Remember to personalise and consider the individuals motivations

Take appropriate action to either give information, signpost to a local service or refer them yourself. Remember that the solution must be person centered and they must want to change or seek support/help.

Across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland there are services in place to support individuals with domestic abuse/violence

You can report Domestic abuse to the police by calling 101 or in an emergency call 999.

FreeVa offer a range of services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. They are the 'front door' into any domestic/sexual abuse and will complete the initial support and advice and assessments to access DA/SV support across Leicestershire.

There is a local Helpline number 0808 80 200 28 which is hidden from bills.

Women's Aid Leicestershire (WALL) are the local accommodation support specialist service providers offering safe refuge accommodation to those effected by domestic/sexual violence that require emergency accommodation to flee to a place of safety

Living Without Abuse (LWA) provides specialist information, advice, guidance and practical and emotional support to anybody experiencing domestic abuse in Leicestershire.

There are Sexual Assault Referral Centres are accessible nationally, specifically in Leicestershire there is Juniper lodge where there are Forensic Medical Nurses, Independent Sexual Violence Advisers and Crisis workers.

Leicestershire Police 101 (Ask for a Victim Liaison Officer)

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