Training and awareness
We need everybody to be aware of domestic and sexual violence and abuse, look out for signs, and know how to get help. It could be the difference between life and death.
There are many ways you can help reduce domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Locally you can get free training, become a community champion and share our resources and your ideas to raise awareness: Reduce the silence.
Help improve local services
Tell us about any of the local services you have used within the past 18 months, so we can continue improving the help we offer.
Community Champion training
Do people naturally talk to you? By becoming a Community Champion you can make a difference to people who are affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence.
You don’t need to be an expert to help. Receive free Community Champion training to:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of sexual and domestic violence
- Become confident in helping people access specialist services
Call the helpline on 0808 80 200 28 for details of the next Community Champion training.
Help a friend, relative or neighbour
There are safe ways you can help someone you know who might be experiencing domestic abuse. Download our Friends and Family Guide at the bottom of this page.
You can also call the helpline for advice if you are concerned about someone.
- Helpline 0808 80 200 28 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, weekends 10am to 4pm.
- Visit freeva.org.uk
Use your experience to improve services
If you have personal experience of seeking help from a local service you could join our Service User Scrutiny and Reference Group. It’s for ex-service users who want to be involved in improving local services.
“A big thank you for letting me be part of this group. It does help us survivors be heard, and help to improve services, which is fantastic!” (Group member).
For more information download the Service User Group profile and FAQs at the bottom of this page.
To ask about joining the group, contact us using our online form.
How many times?
We use the phrase ‘How many times?’ in our social media account for a few reasons:
- on average, a person experiences 36 incidents of domestic abuse before seeking help
- nationally there are still more than two women a week dying due to domestic abuse
- thousands of men, women and children continue to be affected by these abuses every year in Leicester.
Follow us on Twitter, share our posts and find out about events, training and services in Leicester using the link above.
Other ways you can help
- Talk to people at home, at school, work, in sports groups - wherever you are - and let them know that there is expert help at the end of the phone.
- Write about our awareness campaigns in your blog or newsletter. If you would like background information, please email dsvteam@leicester.gov.uk.
- Watch two versions of Michelle's Story. Version 1 shows how domestic violence can end in tragedy. Version 2 shows the difference you can make by helping someone who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence:
Contact us