Domestic abuse and sexual violence

If you're affected by domestic abuse, we have a dedicated service that offers advice, support and assistance.

This includes support available from other agencies to help you address the risks posed by the person abusing you, improve your home's security or finding somewhere safe to go.

Visit the Freeva website or call the helpline: 0808 80 200 28 - this is a freephone number and will be hidden from your bill.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and 10am to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays.

You can also contact Freeva through:

• email - info@freeva.org.uk
• textphone - 07715 994 962
• webchat

What is domestic abuse?

The term ‘domestic abuse’ can be confusing - people often think it only refers to a person being physically hurt by their partner.

The UK definition is actually much bigger and includes lots of different types of abuse.

Examples of abusive behaviours include:

• psychological and emotional abuse - behaviours that damage your confidence and wellbeing. For example being told you're ugly, stupid, useless or crazy, being accused of things you haven’t done or being told the abuse is your fault
• physical abuse - behaviours that physically hurt or injure you. For example being punched, slapped, kicked, beaten up, strangled, burnt, pinched, bitten or hit with an object
• harassment - behaviours that disturb or upset you. For example being stalked, followed or watched, or receiving unwanted texts, calls and emails 
• control and coercion - behaviours that try to control and oppress you or restrict your freedom. For example being locked in the house or particular rooms at home, being stopped from having money and being stopped from getting in touch with people you know

People experiencing abuse are often threatened, not only about things that the abuser may do to them, but also to family members, friends and pets. Sometimes these forms of abuse only happen once, but usually they happen several times. Many people experiencing domestic abuse will face a variety of harmful behaviours.

Help and advice

If you live in Rutland and you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse or sexual violence, there are many organisations and charities that can offer confidential advice and support:

• Leicestershire Police - 101 (ask for a victim liaison officer)
• Freeva - 0808 80 200 28
• Men’s Advice Line  - 0808 801 0327: a freephone helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse, whether in a heterosexual or same-sex relationship, and frontline workers.
• Galop - 0800 999 5428: an LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity, giving advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse
• National Centre for Domestic Violence - 0800 970 2070: free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
• NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
• Refuge - 0808 2000 247: a range of services to support women and children experiencing domestic violence, including a free, 24-hour helpline
• Samaritans - 0845 790 9090: 24-hour, confidential support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide

If you're in danger, always call 999 and ask for the police. 

If you're unable to talk, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can.

If prompted, press 55 – this will transfer your call to the police. Please note that pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location.

Domestic Abuse Strategy

This strategy outlines the profile of domestic abuse in Rutland and goes into detail about the priorities to tackle domestic abuse.

The strategy and action plan is monitored and reviewed by the Safer Rutland Partnership incorporating the Local Domestic Abuse Partnership Board.