‘See, Ask, Respond’ is a new North East Lincolnshire Council campaign directed at businesses and their staff to help them spot the signs of domestic abuse.
In North East Lincolnshire, in the year 2024 to 2025, there were more than 7,000 incidents of domestic abuse reported to Humberside Police, with 70 per cent of those involving a female victim.
With thousands of people working with colleagues across the borough every day, or building relationships with customers, the campaign aims to raise awareness of when someone may be a victim of domestic abuse, what to say – and where that person can get support.
For example, the signs can be coercive and controlling behaviour such as someone insisting on speaking for their partner, or an individual being worried about saying the wrong thing or upsetting their partner continuously.
Physical abuse is also highlighted, with signs often including frequent injuries with explanations that don’t match the injury, and clothing worn to conceal injuries such as long sleeves that look out of place in warm weather.
There is no single sign that can confirm domestic abuse, but by looking out for patterns of behaviours, it may be easier to spot. Many people will not disclose abuse, so it is important to let them know they are safe and can find help if needed.
Cllr Nigel Oliver, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “Talking about this with anyone can be extremely difficult, as there is the fear of making things worse. But if people do know what to say and ask, and where support is for someone, then they may be able to make a difference, and that could be so important.”
In an emergency, always call 999. The North East Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Services are there for support, call 01472 575757 Option 1, for help and advice.”
More information can be found at: Domestic abuse | NELC
Training on Domestic Abuse can be found at: Safeguarding children education and training | NELC
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