| Getting help | Leicester domestic violence helpline 0116 2661131
Women's Aid 24 hour helpline 08457 023468
Refuge 24 hour helpline 0990 995443
Men's Advice Line and Enquiries 020 86449914
Victim Support 0845 3030900
Shelterline 0808 800 4444. Housing advice both for the homeless and people having difficulties paying their rent or mortgage.
The Samaritans 0345 909090
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Our loved ones are the last people we expect to lash out at us. Yet domestic violence is a huge problem in today's society. And many victims are still afraid to speak out. Now two Leicestershire women have recorded special audio diaries for BBC Leicester, describing how they escaped abusive relationships. Sarah's story Mum-of-four Sarah, aged 27, has survived two violent relationships. She left an abusive partner after three years of violence. But in 2001 her new partner subjected her to a horrifying catalogue of abuse, including stabbing and threatening to kill her. Sarah's 10 year old son and her two daughters, aged six and seven, have been put into care because of fears they could be put in further danger. But Sarah, who has asked us not to use her real name, has started to rebuild her life and has a new partner and a 20-month-old daughter. Claire's story Forty-year-old Claire, who has asked us not to use her real name, was subjected to six years of psychological abuse by her husband from 1994. Claire and her three children, who were from a previous relationship, escaped in 2000. Claire has now remarried and lives with her new husband and her two daughters, aged 19 and 15. Her 21-year-old son has now moved into his own home.
Listen to Sarah and Claire's stories... | 
