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HomePeople, health and careTackling domestic abuse in North Lincolnshire

Tackling domestic abuse in North Lincolnshire

How we tackle domestic abuse

Our priority is for people to be safe and well in their homes and in their communities. The council and its partners are working together to reduce domestic abuse. Our partners include:

  • specialist domestic abuse providers
  • Humberside Police and the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner
  • housing and health bodies

We aim to ensure that where domestic abuse takes place, all those affected get the right service.

Worried about someone – domestic abuse

If you’re worried that someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse, trust your instincts, abuse is often hidden, and many people feel too afraid, ashamed, or unsure to speak out. Your support could be the first step in helping them get to safety and rebuild their life.

Domestic Abuse Strategy 2025-28

We are proud to present North Lincolnshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy on behalf of the partners who work to protect and support those affected by it.

This strategy builds on the strong foundations created by the previous three-year Domestic Abuse Strategy and sets out our approach and plans as a partnership about what we are going to do to combat all forms of domestic abuse in North Lincolnshire.

Signs someone may be experiencing abuse

Some signs may be subtle. Trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right. You might notice they:

  • Seem anxious, withdrawn or unusually quiet
  • Cancel plans or lose contact with friends and family
  • Have unexplained injuries or give vague explanations
  • Appear to be monitored or overly checked-in on by a partner
  • Don’t have access to their own money or phone
  • Seem afraid of making mistakes or upsetting their partner
  • Often defend or make excuses for their partner’s behaviour
  • Talk about feeling “trapped,” “worthless,” or “crazy”

How you can help

  • Supporting someone in an abusive situation can feel overwhelming but even a small gesture can make a big difference
  • Listen without judgement
  • Let them talk at their own pace. Believe what they tell you and avoid asking “why don’t you just leave?” it’s not that simple
  • Focus on their safety
  • Let them know abuse is never their fault and they’re not alone. Offer help to plan for safety if needed (see our Safety Planning page). Don’t encourage them to leave without seeking help and safety planning
  • Respect their choices
  • Leaving an abusive relationship is complex and risky. It’s important they stay in control of what happens next
  • Offer practical support
  • This could be going with them to appointments, helping with childcare, or researching support services
  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • You can share our contact details or offer to help them reach out to us. They may need time and that’s okay

How we can help

If the person is ready to talk, they can contact us directly for confidential support. We offer:

  • A needs and risk assessment to understand their situation
  • Ongoing Outreach or IDVA support, tailored to their level of risk
  • Safety planning, housing, legal and emotional support
  • Help navigating police, courts, social services or safeguarding
  • A non-judgemental space to talk things through in their own time
  • Recovery Support, including groups and programmes designed to help them recovery from trauma

If you’re unsure what to do, you can also contact us for advice. We’ll help you understand your options and how best to support them safely.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse isn’t just physical violence. It can include:

  • Emotional abuse or manipulation
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Sexual abuse or pressure
  • Financial control or withholding money
  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Coercive and controlling behaviour
  • Harassment or tech-based abuse

Abuse can happen in any relationship regardless of age, gender, sexuality or background and often gets worse over time.

When to Call 999

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, or you hear or see an incident happening, always call 999. If they’re unable to speak on the phone, they can press 55 when prompted during a 999 call to signal they need help (this is called the Silent Solution).

Need advice or support?

You can speak to us in confidence, whether you’re worried about a friend, relative, colleague, neighbour, or someone else in your life.

Get in Touch
Phone: 0800 197 47 87
Email: info@thebluedoor.org

Further information about domestic abuse and our Domestic Abuse Strategy is available on our Safeguarding Adults Board website.

Contact

DA-PartnershipBoard@northlincs.gov.uk

01724 297000