What is Domestic Abuse, Control and Coercion?
Domestic Abuse is an incident, or pattern of incidents, of controlling, coercive, threatening or degrading behaviour, violence or abuse. It occurs between those aged 16 or over who are intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.
This can include, but is not limited, to the following types of abuse:
- Psychological (e.g. gaslighting)
- Emotional (e.g. public embarrassment)
- Financial (e.g. control of income)
- Sexual (e.g. rape)
- Physical (e.g. being strangled or suffocated)
- Digital (e.g. hacking social media accounts)
Coercive Control describes a range of acts designed to gain or keep control of a partner, ex-partner or family member. This could be by isolating them, making them dependent, exploiting their resources or regulating their everyday behaviour. It could also involve threats, humiliation or intimidation to harm, punish or frighten a victim. Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is a criminal offence.
Domestic abuse and coercive control may happen gradually in a relationship, and it can be difficult to recognise the signs. These behaviours can also continue after the relationship has ended.
If you're not sure what you're experiencing is domestic abuse or coercive control, you might find the following questionnaire useful: Am I experiencing domestic abuse? - Women’s Aid
Are you in immediate danger?
Always call 999 if you are seriously injured or you feel your life is at risk.
If you can, get yourself to a safe space where there are other people around - like a library, shop or pharmacy.
On campus, you can contact Security via the SafeZone app or by calling 0116 252 2023
What can I do if I think I am experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control?
If you are a student at the University, you can speak to the Standing Together team for support. You can make a disclosure via Report and Support, and a member of the team will be in touch.
If you don't want to speak to someone at the university, you can also access support in the community:
- National Domestic Violence Helpline (0808 2000 247) - Freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Violence Abuse Helpline
- Freeva (0808 80 200 28) - sexual and domestic violence services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Some services are gender-specific:
- Mankind (01823 334 244) - a confidential helpline for all men across the UK suffering from domestic violence or abuse
- Respect UK (0808 8024040) - supporting male victims of domestic violence
- Women’s Aid Leicestershire (0808 2000 247) - supporting women and children fleeing domestic and sexual abuse
And if you're a part of the LGBT+ community, you can access specialist support:
- Galop (0800 999 5428) - emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse
If you're worried that someone is using technology to watch you, you can access advice on how to stay safe online here: Information and support on tech abuse | Refuge Tech Safety
Impact of Domestic Violence, Abuse, Control and Coercion
Impact Domestic Violence and Coercion