Domestic Violence

This page gives information about domestic violence and contains links to web sites for support, help and information. Domestic violence is one of four priorities the Community Safety Partnership has identified for its three year plan 2011-2014.

What is domestic violence

Domestic violence is any physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, social or financial abuse of a person by their partner, ex-partner, family or carer, in a domestic relationship. Domestic violence can affect any person regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or disability. It is about power and control, not love and respect.

Research shows that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are subject to domestic abuse in their lifetime. Two women a week are murdered by abusive partners or ex partners and on average a domestic violence incident is reported to the police every minute of every day.

If you are suffering from domestic abuse of any kind and wish to hide the fact you have viewed this web page, then you can access information on how to do this. If possible, use a computer in a library, at work or those of a friend or member of your family.

Who you can speak to for help and support

There are many local and national support services, help lines and web sites available to victims of domestic violence and their families. Please look at our Domestic Violence Directory (PDF Document, 34.01 Kb) for further information.

Worried about your pet

Pets also often suffer as the perpetrators of abuse use the victim's relationship with a beloved pet to intimidate and control the situation by threatening to, or actually causing, harm to it. Many people suffering domestic violence said they stayed because they feared what would happen to their pet if they left. There are several animal charities that will help to foster out a pet that is in danger while the victim flees the abusive relationship. Please see document below from the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) which gives information on their scheme.

RSPCA - Fostering Scheme for Pets of Domestic Abuse Victims (PDF Document, 246.62 Kb)

What your local council can do to help

There are many staff here ready to support you if you should be experiencing domestic abuse and are ready to speak out. If you are in need of emergency accommodation to escape an abusive situation contact our Housing management for advice (contact details are on the left side of this page).

We employ Domestic Violence outreach workers who are seconded from Women's Aid. They are available to everyone irrespective of age or gender. They can be contacted either via Women's Aid Leicester (0116) 242 6440, or via the Community Safety Partnership contact details at the left of this page.

You may also wish to speak to our benefits department who can advise on what financial support you may be entitled to should your living circumstances change.

To discuss safety options open to you and your family, whether that be legal or criminal proceedings, or just advice on how to make your premises more safe and secure, please contact our Community Safety section. You can contact all Council services by telephoning Leicester (0116) 288 8961. All calls are treated sympathetically and in the strictest confidence.

Download our Domestic violence and substance misuse information leaflet (PDF Document, 327.6 Kb)