Domestic and sexual abuse

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of their background. Working with partners, we provide support services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

Further information

Need help? contact Leicestershire Police or call 101 (999 in an emergency) 

What is domestic abuse?

The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:

any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:

• psychological abuse
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• financial abuse
• emotional abuse.

Controlling behaviour

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate 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 behaviour

Coercive behaviour is an 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.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence can include rape, sexual abuse and being forced to engage in unwanted sex acts or prostitution.

What else can domestic and sexual violence involve?

• Forced marriage is when someone is forced into marrying someone against their will. Sometimes victims can encounter physical or emotional abuse from family members. Emotional abuse can take the form of being blackmailed
• 'Honour'-based violence is where family member(s) and maybe community members act to control and punish perceived misbehaviour

We'd like to hear from you

If you've accessed help from any of the local domestic or sexual violence support services, we'd like to hear your views. You can complete our short anonymous feedback form using the quick link at the top of this page.

If you are interested in joining our service user group, more information can be found in our downloadable PDF. We also have an online form that you can fill in.