Domestic Violence

16 Days of Action is a global campaign running every year from 25th November and strives to eliminate violence and abuse against women and girls around the world. We’ve supported the campaign in Leeds since 1999 and use it to raise awareness of all forms of domestic violence and abuse, and to encourage anyone affected by domestic violence and abuse to seek help.

This year’s theme for 16 Days of Action in Leeds is recognising and responding to controlling and coercive behaviour. This behaviour can be part of a wider pattern of abuse.

Coercive control is when a person with whom you are personally connected repeatedly behaves in a way which makes you feel controlled, dependent, isolated or scared. Examples include:

• Only wanting you to spend time with them, and isolating you from your family and friends
• Checking your phone or what you’re doing online
  
• Embarrassing or humiliating you in front of others
• Always wanting to know where you are and who you are with
• Timing you when you’re not with them
• Telling you what you can or can’t wear
• Repeatedly putting you down and making you feel worthless
• Making you feel you have to behave a certain way or give up things that are important to you
• Making you feel like your feelings and opinions don’t matter
• Threatening to leave you if you don’t do what they want
• Threatening to hurt you or your child
• Stopping you accessing support services or medical services

It is a criminal offence for someone to subject you to coercive control. You can report it to the police and if found guilty, it can lead up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine.

If you or someone you know is concerned about coercive control, tell someone.

For advice and support, call the Leeds Domestic Violence 24 hour helpline on 0113 246 0401.

Click here to see the full range of activity taking place in Leeds during this year’s 16 Days of Action.

Follow us on Twitter @SaferLeeds and join us in using the hashtags #16DaysOfActionLeeds and #TellSomeone.