Leeds Domestic Violence Service Voices Project Named Partner of the Year by Leeds District Police
The Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) Voices Project, which supports victim-survivors to work with organisations to improve service responses, has been named Partner of the Year by Leeds District Police for its outstanding survivor-led engagement.
Since beginning its partnership with police in 2024, the Voices Project has driven significant improvements in how officers interact with victim-survivors of domestic abuse. This includes inspiring a new confidentiality statement for members of the public receiving a Clare’s Law disclosure, and influencing cultural change in how police officers approach domestic abuse callouts. Through sharing lived experiences, project participants have encouraged a more consistent, compassionate and trauma-informed policing response.
The award reads: “In recognition of the Voices Project’s outstanding innovation in survivor-led engagement. The Voices Project has built trust between victim-survivors and police, amplified unheard voices through powerful media and introduced discreet, accessible support. The project’s inclusive, multi-community approach has driven cultural change, improved safety and empowered survivors to shape lasting domestic abuse services.”
Detective Superintendent Sarah Lambert of West Yorkshire Police, who nominated the project, said: “The LDVS Voices Project is an incredibly well-deserved winner of Partner of the Year. This recognition reflects the power of collaboration between police and domestic abuse survivors to create meaningful change. By amplifying lived experience, we have raised awareness and deepened officers’ understanding of domestic abuse, ensuring responses are more compassionate and effective. Together, we are building a safer, more informed community, and I cannot thank the project enough for its dedication.”
Nicola Marlow, Project Manager of the Voices Project, said: “The Domestic Abuse Act requires local authorities to engage with victim-survivors, which is why this project was commissioned. However, organisations such as the police choose to engage, and this takes bravery and commitment from both victim-survivors and officers.
“It has been a privilege to build an approach where victim-survivors feel valued, heard and celebrated for creating real, tangible change within policing. This award recognises the effort, courage and collaboration of everyone involved.”
The Voices Project recently shared its insights at a national police conference on domestic abuse, attended by representatives from 17 police forces across the UK.
Commissioned by Leeds City Council, the Voices Project comprises four dedicated teams working with women, men, children and LGBT+ communities to understand diverse experiences of domestic abuse and improve local services.
The specialist organisations delivering the LDVS Voices Project are Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors and Yorkshire MESMAC.
For more information about the LDVS Voices Project, visit: www.ldvs.uk/the-ldvs-voices-project/womens-lived-experience-voices/
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