Domestic Violence is a crime
You have the right to live your life free from fear, violence and abuse. You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed but – you are not to blame.
Domestic violence is very common. It can happen to anyone.
Domestic Violence is about power and control, and can involve physical, emotional and financial abuse, usually by a man towards a woman. You and your children may be abused by a partner, ex-partner or family member.
Abuse is rarely a one-off event. It tends to get worse over time, but there is help available.
If you would like advice, information, somewhere safe to stay, or simply want someone to listen, you can ring one of these services:
Leeds Domestic Violence Services
Support, information and access to safe housing.
Telephone: 0113 246 0401 (24 hour Helpline)
SARSVL - Support After Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds
A service for women and girls who have been raped or experienced another form of sexual violence – whether as an adult or a child – at any time in their lives www.SupportAfterRapeLeeds.org.uk
helpline: 0113 202 1844
STAR – Surviving Trauma after Rape
Support and counselling for victims of rape and serious sexual assault. Available for females and males in West Yorkshire.
Helpline: Monday to Friday 9.00-5.00 Tel: 01924 298 954
Email: star@starproject.vianw.co.uk
CROP
Coalition for the Removal of Pimping is dedicated to combating sexual exploitation. It supports parents through its Parents Support Unit.
Tel: 0113 240 3040
Jewish Women’s Aid
Support and information for Jewish women experiencing domestic violence.
Telephone: 0800 591203
Men's Advice Line
Free phone line offering emotional and practical support as well as sign posting to local services for men experiencing domestic violence.
Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 2-5pm Tel: 0808 801 0327
Broken Rainbow
Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people experiencing domestic violence.
Telephone: 0845 260 4460
STOP
Works with perpetrators of domestic violence to address abusive behaviour.
Telephone: 0113 244 6007
Respect
National phone line for perpetrators of domestic violence and those at risk.
Telephone: 0845 122 8609
National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
Leeds City Council Housing Options
If you are experiencing domestic violence you can approach Housing Options for help and advice on housing, including emergency accommodation. Tel: 0113 222 4412
Leeds Social Servies
Adult social Care - Tel 0113 222 4401
Children's Social Care - Tel 0113 222 4403
Police - in an emergency call the police on 999
From a textphone dial 8000 - it is free of charge
For deaf people wanting to contact 999 by mobile, put 999 on the message screen plus the service you require (West Yorkshire Police) and send to +44 7786200200.
Non-emergency - call 101 or call the police safeguarding unit. People with a hearing or speech impairment can use textphone 08001 101.
Police Domestic Safeguarding Unit (based at Millgarth) 0113 241 4127, leeds.safeguarding@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
Key facts and statistics
Two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner, (Home Office, 2006)
- 45% of all female homicide victims were killed by a current or ex-partner (Home Office, 2006)
- Eighty percent of all victims of domestic violence were women in 2005/06 (Home Office, 2006)
- One in four women experience domestic violence over their lifetime. (Council of Europe, 2002)
- Domestic violence costs to services in Leeds is in excess of £32 million (Leeds Inter-Agency Project, 2005)
Impact of domestic violence on women
- Physical and/or sexual abuse can result in short term, long term or permanent damage.
- Psychological abuse can result in low motivation, low confidence, low self-esteem, confusion, disturbed patterns of eating and sleeping, depression, substance dependency, self-harm and suicide
- The loss or separation from family, children and friends can leave women isolated and vulnerable. The loss of or constant changing of jobs can result in financial difficulties as well as limited access to employment, training and educational opportunities
Impact of domestic violence on children
The fear and stress that children living with domestic violence feel will affect them in various ways:
- Domestic violence often begins or gets worse during pregnancy resulting in injury or death to the foetus
- Domestic violence can have impact on their health and development.
- Long-term effects may include self-blame, low confidence and self-esteem, vulnerability and social isolation
Men as victims of domestic violence
It is now widely recognised that men also experience violence and abuse from female partners. Like women, men find it difficult to disclose or report incidents and may live with the abuse for many years.
Domestic violence in same sex relationships
There is little research on domestic violence in same sex relationships. Feedback from service providers indicates that lesbians and gay men do experience domestic violence and may face barriers when seeking help. This can range from disbelief and homophobic attitudes to indirect and direct exclusion.
The Leeds Domestic Violence Strategy promotes the principle that, any good practice developed to respond to domestic violence applies equally to women, men and same sex couples.