Welcome to Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS). LDVS works with women, men and families in Leeds, offering emergency accommodation, support, advice and advocacy. LDVS supports anyone experiencing domestic violence and abuse and actively encourages people from LGBT+ communities to access our support.

For help and support:

  • Call the 24 Hour Helpline on 0113 246 0401
  • Email administration@leedswomensaid.org.uk
  •  Online chat – available Monday to Friday 1-3pm and Tuesdays & Thursdays 7.30pm-9.30pm – go to the Leeds Women’s Aid homepage –  www.leedswomensaid.org.uk  to access a confidential online Live Chat for support and help 

LDVS Position Statement in relation to COVID-19

Update 29 June 2020

Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) is a partnership of 3 specialist services in Leeds: Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors and Womens Health Matters, delivering the local authority commissioned community and emergency accommodation-based services.

We want to update you on how we’re responding to the challenges of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Our Services 

We are regularly reviewing our contingency plans to reduce risk and make sure our staff are protected and our services continue.

Refuge Services

Our refuges remain open and risk assessments and measures are regularly reviewed. Referrals are taken as usual but some additional questions related to Covid-19 are routinely being asked for anyone being admitted to refuge. Additionally, in refuge space where there are shared facilities there are extra requirements to meet health and safety relating to Covid-19.

Children & Young People’s workers have developed packs for the children and face time is being used with those who are self-isolating

Family activities are continuing and meeting social distancing guidelines and risk assessments.

Community Services

Wherever possible we are continuing to offer our services remotely but we are aware that some people may not be able to access our services in this way. We will now provide some face to face work in the community in limited circumstances to ensure the safety of some of our most vulnerable clients. This will be done with a thorough assessment of need and risk.

Call conferencing is still being used for essential MARAC/FDSH and other multi-agency work as agreed by all stakeholders.

The 24/7 helpline, email and text advice are continuing with most of this being completed remotely.

Community DV Practitioners are continuing to work remotely but in exceptional cases as above face to work may be carried out.

Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) are continuing to work remotely but may undertake work in court from the first week in July but this will be risk assessed and informed by the courts risk assessments regarding distancing and space available.

Support groups have been temporarily suspended as groups but staff are continuing to support group members on a 121 basis by phone. There may be the occasional small group activity but this is risk assessed and managed carefully. Resources have been developed and provided which include links to online resources and other information.

Drop-ins have been suspended but this will be reviewed with the host organisations. Alternative ways of accessing direct help are provided such as Online chat and email and text advice as above.

We have a member of staff in the police control room for 4 nights a week 4.30pm to 11pm

Early Help Hubs – our DV Practitioners, as per guidance, is operating remotely

If you need our support, please call 0113 246 0401 or email administration@leedswomensaid.org.uk.

Please stay safe and well.

Please also refer to the Leeds City Council website for the latest Covid19 information:

https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/people-and-communities

https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/messages-to-share

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About

Our mission is to protect people in Leeds from the damage that domestic violence can inflict on their lives. We believe that everyone has the right to live their lives free from fear and harm.

We will achieve this by providing women and men with choices from a range of community based services, including temporary supported housing, IDVA (independent domestic violence advocate) support, community outreach support, a telephone helpline, drop-ins and support groups.

Our 24hr helpline is open to everyone – whether you want some emotional support, to refer yourself, or someone else into the service – you can ring anytime to speak to a friendly trained advisor. 

 

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Our Services

We offer a variety of services to support anyone experiencing domestic violence in Leeds.

If you want help, advice or to refer yourself please call the Helpline on 0113 246 0401 which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Alternatively CLICK HERE to send us a message.

Members of the public can call our 24 hour helpline any time – 0113 246 0401

How Agencies Can Refer

Should any agency wish to make a referral they need to complete a referral form and email this to ldvs.referrals@lwa.cjsm.net. The Referral From is available to download on Resources tab of this website.

If you are particularly concerned about any individual who you have assessed as High Risk then please refer the case to the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) as well.

Drop-In Service

We run regular, discreet drop-in services across the city.  Our drop-in worker will offer confidential, emotional and practical support, including information about your rights and space to talk through your options. No appointment is necessary – you can just call in – and you don’t need to give your name.

For more information about where the drop-ins are held, please call the helpline or email us.

24hr Helpline

LDVS operates a 24 hour telephone    support line. Call us at any time for    emotional support and information on LDVS or other services. Calls can be anonymous.

Emergency Accommodation

LDVS offers safe and secure emergency accommodation if you are experiencing domestic abuse. We can accommodate people from Leeds or anywhere else within the UK. You will receive support from our experienced workers in dealing with the effects of domestic abuse, as well as help with practical issues such as benefits and finances, accessing other specialist agencies, and housing.

Community Domestic Violence Team

Our Community DV Practitioners will provide regular practical and emotional support on housing, benefits and budgeting, safety planning, health and  social care, and community  engagement. In addition we can accompany you to   solicitor’s appointments and support you in attending the Family Courts. We can liaise with agencies on your behalf to ensure that you receive specialist support in areas such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental health, and  children’s education and well being.

IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocates) Team

Our IDVAs will support you if you need immediate crisis or safety advice and will focus on reducing your risk. We will provide legal advice and advocacy on a range of issues within family and criminal law. This can include advice on injunctions,         children’s matters, divorce, liaising with the police, and we can support you at criminal court if you have to give evidence at a trial.  Our IDVAs will offer short or long-term support depending on your needs.

Group Support

We run a number of support groups for women in different locations around the city.  The groups offer a safe space for you to meet others who have been through or are going through similar experiences.  Week by week we talk through issues that affect our safety and wellbeing and the safety and wellbeing of those around us.  We know that women are the experts in their own situations and that with the right support women themselves will find the best way to move forward and get the best out of their lives and relationships.  We offer signposting, advice and referrals for other support where it is needed.

 

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