Domestic abuse can take place anywhere, not just at home, and research suggests that it is rarely a one-off event.
Abuse happens more and more over a prolonged period of time, and in most cases will get more serious as time goes on. Abuse leaves those suffering it feeling frightened, isolated, humiliated or ashamed – whatever the extent of abuse may be.
Domestic Abuse can include, but is not restricted to:
- Isolating victims from friends / family
- Monitoring their time (even in the bathroom)
- Monitoring a person via online communication or spyware
- Controlling where someone may go, who they see, what they wear, when they sleep
- Depriving access to support services, specialist support or medical support
- Controlling finances
- Threatening to harm or kill the victim or another person (e.g. child)
- Threatening to reveal, share or publish private information
From December 2015, the law was changed to close the gap around patterns of forceful and controlling behaviour as domestic abuse. Police now recognise, record and investigate offences under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, namely any pattern of incidents of forceful or controlling behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over in an intimate or family relationship.
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person feel inferior by isolating them from sources of support. This can deprive the victim of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape, and controlling their everyday behaviour. Forceful behaviour is acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim. This also includes honour based violence, female genital mutation and forced marriage, and it is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.
If you suffer from, or witness any form of domestic abuse, please report it. Don’t suffer in silence. Leicestershire Police are committed to dealing positively with all forms of domestic abuse and will support you through it, working closely with partner agencies.
To report a crime call Police on 101, or 999 if in progress. You can also contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
By PCSO Liam Palmer
If you have any questions or concerns you wish to raise, please email me at liam.palmer@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk or call 101 and when prompted ask to leave a voicemail for 6016.