About domestic abuse and courses
What is domestic abuse?
Important information
Due to a period of reduced capacity, we are temporarily unable to accept new referrals to the service. This decision has been made to ensure that those already receiving support continue to receive a high-quality and timely service.
If you are at immediate risk of harm or in danger, please contact the police on 999 - if you are unable to speak press 55.
If you require support from a domestic abuse service, please contact Freeva:
- Website: Free from violence and abuse (freeva.org.uk)
- Telephone: 0808 802 0028
We appreciate your understanding and will provide an update on this website as soon as referrals can be accepted again.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a serious crime. It is also the largest single reason people become homeless in Leicestershire.
Domestic abuse includes any psychological, social, emotional, physical, sexual or economical abuse of an individual by a partner or ex-partner in an existing or previous domestic relationship, family member or carer. This is regardless of age, race, gender, disability, religious belief or sexual orientation. Domestic abuse is about the use of power to assert and maintain control over another person.
It can involve, but is not restricted to:
- Physical abuse
Including slapping, shoving, punching, pushing, kicking, burning, stabbing. Physical abuse can sometimes start off with a 'minor' incident, but can often lead to serious injury such as broken bones, permanent disfigurement, persistent ill-health and worse - Sexual abuse
Including rape, sexual assault, enforced prostitution and being forced to engage in unwanted sex acts and abuse - Psychological and emotional abuse
Including being constantly humiliated and degraded, being made to keep the house to exacting standards, threats to children and threats to oneself - Economic abuse
The offender might refuse to pay child maintenance or anything for the children, force to account for every penny, not permit to work or earn money independently, not provide any money to go anywhere or to buy essential items, possibly with the argument it will be "wasted on silly things". The offender might also threaten to take to court, disallow use of any utilities in the home, get into debt, or incite or commit acts of fraud - Controlling behaviours
A range of acts designed to make a person feel lesser 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 behaviours
A continuing 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
Last updated: 12/08/2026 10:54
