Useful contacts are: Seeking Help and  Cover your tracks

DV Training Courses 2010 and DV Charging Policy

The Leeds City Council Domestic Violence Team (previously named Leeds Inter Agency Project) was established in 1990 to develop a multi agency approach to improve the safety of women and their children experiencing violence from men they know.

Based within Safer Leeds, Leeds City Council Domestic Violence Team is working with partner organisations to deliver Leeds Domestic Violence Strategy 2008-2011. The strategy aims to reduce the prevalence and impact of domestic violence in the city.

The Leeds City Council Domestic Violence Strategy defines domestic violence as the physical, emotional, sexual and psychological abuse of one person by another in a personal or family relationship. The overwhelming majority of domestic violence and the most severe and chronic incidents are perpetrated by men against women partners or ex partners. Children are often indirectly or directly affected by this violence. The violence often escalates and has far reaching consequences on the lives of women and children. Violence is universal; women from all backgrounds can experience violence, equally men from any background can be violent. Different groups of women can face additional issues and barriers when seeking help.

Some common acts of domestic violence are:

Physical: punches, slaps, kicks, shaking and spitting

Psychological and emotional: harassment, threats, humiliation, isolation, cutting off contact with family and friends, threatening with deportation

Sexual: rape and coerced sex, refusal to practice safe sex or use contraception,
making you do sexual things you do not want to do

Domestic Violence is rarely a one-off incident  it tends to escalate as most perpetrators use domestic violence to control their partners.

It's not your fault.  You are not alone.

Everyone has the right to live free from violence and fear. You may feel humiliated, frightened, ashamed, alone, confused – but you are not to blame. You don’t have to put up with abuse. You can get help and change your life.

• Recognise that you are in an abusive relationship
• Seek help
• Talk to someone you trust
• Call a support organisation – see list under Seeking Help
• Ring the 24 Hour Helpline 0808 2000 247
• Or contact the Women’s Aid Website www.womensaid.org.uk
• In an emergency call the police on 999
Help Available

Support organisations will talk to you about options for you and your children.

There is safe emergency accommodation available for you and your children.

You do not have to leave home if you experience domestic violence. You have a right to be protected under the law. There are court orders available as well as the criminal law to hold the perpetrator accountable and in some cases exclude him from the home. The Sanctuary Scheme can help with security measures. Contact the Police Domestic Violence Co-ordinators.

Separating from a violent husband or partner can affect immigration status – it is important to get immigration advice quickly. Talk to a solicitor.

Getting free of the abuse can be a lengthy process. Many women leave and return a number of times before they finally make the break. Remember, you have a right to live without violence and fear.

Support Domestc Violence Victims with no recourse to public funds. 
Read about the issue.  To fill in a standing order form click here

Domestic Violence Seeking Help