RELATIONSHIPS, particularly between people living under the same roof, can be tricky at the best of times.

Seldom do parents and their children see eye to eye all the time and bickering between siblings – well, that’s a tradition isn’t it?!

But what do you do when it goes beyond falling out? When things get violent or start messing with your head?

Domestic violence and abuse don’t just take place between partners and certainly isn’t just inflicted by men on women. It can happen in any relationship where you are living together.

During the last 12 months when two lockdowns have urged us all to ‘stay home’ to ‘stay safe’, the incidence rate for domestic violence and abuse has rocketed. Thankfully, initial lockdown rules were modified to allow those living in violent or abusive environments to leave and seek help as well as alternative accommodation but if you are in that situation, where do you turn?

At Our Way Leeds we work with many young people who have either experienced, or are currently experiencing, domestic violence and abuse but where else can you get advice, support or even immediate help in an emergency? Check out the organisations and links below:

Support for all:

Leeds Domestic Violence Service: A partnership between Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors and Women’s Health Matters, this service offers support to anyone in Leeds experiencing domestic violence whether they are male, female, non-binary or a family and regardless of sexuality, ethnicity or religion. Contact: 24-hour helpline 0113 246 0401 or website:  https://ldvs.uk/

Behind Closed Doors: Helping people in Leeds affected by domestic violence and abuse cope, recover and move on. Live chat available Mondays and Fridays 2pm-4pm; Weds 5pm-7pm. Contact: https://www.behind-closed-doors.org.uk/

Childline: Offering support for children and young people under the age of 19. Contact: 0800 1111 or www.childline.org.uk or for specific advice on family relationships go to www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/home-families

Galop’s National LGBT and Domestic Abuse Helpline: Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are being abused. Contact: 0800 999 5428 or www.galop.org.uk

SignHealth: Specialist domestic abuse support service for adults and children who are deaf. Open to people of all ages, gender, race and sexuality. Communication is via a variety of methods predominantly British Sign Language. Contact: Tel/textphone: 0203 947 2600; SMS / text: 07970 350366; email: da@signhealth.org.uk or click on www.signhealth.org.uk/domesticabuse

Support for girls and women:

Refuge: support for women and children suffering abuse. Phone 0800 2000 247 or go to www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Women’s Aid: Online support available Mon – Fri 10am-4pm and weekends 10am-12pm at www.chat.womensaid.org.uk or go to their website www.womensaid.org.uk

Leeds Women’s Aid: Providing services to women and children affected by domestic violence and abuse, sexual and honour-based violence and abuse, forced marriage, trafficking, stalking and harassment. Contact: 24-hour helpline 0113 246 0401; email: administration@leedswomensaid.org.uk or click on https://leedswomensaid.co.uk/ Live online chat available Mon-Friday 1-3pm; Tuesday and Thursday 7.30-9.30pm.

Ashiana Sheffield: Organisation helping black, Asian, minority ethnic and refugee women and children in England, Scotland and Wales who are in danger due to domestic violence and abuse, honour-based violence and / or forced marriage. Contact: 0114 255 5740 or click on www.ashianasheffield.org

Getaway Girls: Empowering girls and women aged 11-25, helping them build self-confidence, develop new skills and rise to new challenges. Providing advice and support for getting lives back on track following domestic violence and abuse. Contact https://getawaygirls.co.uk/

Support for boys and men:

Respect: Men’s Advice Line: Helpline providing advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Contact: 0808 801 0327 or go to www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Survivors UK: Web chat (12pm-8pm Mon-Fri) and text chat services for male survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Contact: www.survivorsuk.org; text: 020 3322 1860 or WhatsApp: 07491816064

BLAST Project (Yorkshire Mesmac): Male only sexual exploitation service supporting boys and young men (aged 19 and under) who have experienced, are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing child sexual exploitation. Provide intensive one-to-one support. Contact: 0113 2444209

Refuges:

There are a number of refuges for men who have suffered domestic violence and abuse located across the UK including the Bradford Cyrenians Refuge. Access is via referral from a professional support agency. Please see above for help with accessing this support.

And finally…

For more information on the help that is available for people experiencing domestic violence and abuse, please go to:  https://www.leeds.gov.uk/antisocial-behaviour-and-crime/domestic-violence-and-abuse/help-for-victims-of-domestic-violence-and-abuse

If you are a support or advice professional looking for guidance to assist a client check out https://www.leeds.gov.uk/antisocial-behaviour-and-crime/domestic-violence-and-abuse

If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, please remember: YOU ARE NOT ALONE and IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.