Victims of domestic violence in Leeds are being urged to access a wide range of support services available in the city.
Forming part of Leeds 16 Days of Action programme which begins today, a key aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the help that is available to any person affected by domestic violence so they can receive the help they need.
The Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) offers a 24 hour phone line where trained staff will listen and provide support for all victims of abuse for people aged 16 or older.
Callers can be guaranteed of being treated with dignity and respect by trained staff, and may be offered depending on their personal circumstances access to further services. This could include being provided with another number to call for additional help or face to face support. Depending on personal circumstances, a place in a refuge may also be offered but at no time will pressure be put on any caller to leave their partner or home if they are unsure, or do not want to.
The Leeds Domestic Violence Service can be contacted on: (0113) 246 0401.
Also available are a number of drop in-sessions which are held three times a week at venues in the city centre. Funded by the NHS and delivered by Leeds Women Aid, a wide-range of advice, support and assistance in signposting to specialist services are available. For more details, please ring: 0113 246 0401 or 07776 228196.
Councillor Peter Gruen, Chair of Safer Leeds said:
“We are determined to do everything possible to help victims suffering from domestic violence, and as part of our 16 days of action campaign, we are reemphasising the wide-range of support services which are available in Leeds.
“Making contact for the first time can be very difficult, but we would like to reassure people that our trained staff never judge and will always aim to provide the best possible information and advice for each individual circumstance.”
The Leeds 16 Days of Action begins on Monday, November 25 (International Day to End Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day) and is part of an international campaign. Events and campaigns take place all around the world to raise awareness and encourage support for women and children experiencing violence.
As part of the 16 Days of Action, Asha Neighbourhood Project are holding an open event called “Women’s Rights Worldwide” on Wednesday 5 December from 10am to 2pm. The day will include discussions, poems, speakers and a healthy relationships workshop.
For further help and advice, there are also the following national numbers to call:
Domestic violence helpline 0808 2000 247 (for women)
Men’s advice line 0808 801 0327 (for men)
Jewish women’s aid 0808 801 0500 (for Jewish women)
Broken rainbow 0300 999 5428 (LGBT on the keypad – for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people)
In any emergency, please ring West Yorkshire Police on 999, or for further help and advice call 101.
The Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) is a consortium of specialist services commissioned by Leeds City Council which includes, Leeds Women’s Aid, HALT (Help, Advice & the Law Team) and Behind Closed Doors (BCD). Stonham Home Group is commissioned by LCC to provide safe housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
