For Professionals
This page has information for professionals on how to refer someone they are supporting to LDVS for support with domestic violence and abuse. You need to obtain the consent of the individual before making the referral for support.
Before making the referral, please make sure that the victim-survivor is affected by and/or fleeing domestic violence or abuse. This can include stalking, honour-based violence, forced marriage or female genital mutilation.
We are not an emergency service; if your service user requires immediate assistance or safeguarding, please contact emergency services by calling 999. Please also be aware that we are not a mental health service and we do not offer counselling.
To make a referral for support, please complete our Online Referral form by clicking on the link below. LDVS is a very busy service, we’re currently experiencing an extremely high demand we will aim to process new referrals as soon as we can.
By completing the online referral form, you are helping us to contact the victim-survivor as safely and quickly as possible. Please do give us as much information as possible. This saves the victim-survivor from being asked the same questions again and helps us to understand more about their particular needs and circumstances.
We ask that only professionals complete the online referral. If you require support for yourself or for a friend/family member – please contact our Helpline on 0113 2460401 or email [email protected] or click here.
24 Hour Helpline
0113 246 0401
E:mail
Practitioner Quality Support Co-ordinator
The Practitioner Quality Support Co-Ordinator works with Domestic Abuse Practitioners in 4 partner organisations in Leeds. The project started after it was identified that additional support was needed for those who were fleeing domestic abuse, as not everyone who fees domestic abuse is able to access a place in specialist DA emergency accommodation.
Therefore, there was a need to integrate specialist DA support in emergency/temporary accommodation services, and domestic abuse practitioners were funded at Basis Yorkshire, Beacon Leeds, OWL, and St Anne’s.
- Basis Yorkshire – supports sex workers
- Beacon Leeds – temporary accommodation service, has a hostel and also dispersed properties
- OWL – supports young people aged 16-25 years
- St Anne’s – runs the resource centre and hostel
The Practitioner Quality Support Co-Ordinator at LDVS co-ordinates this work, and supports the DA practitioners, ensuring that best practice is used when delivering support to victim-survivors. In addition to the direct support provided, we also share skills, knowledge and experience with each other. This has resulted in increased partnership working, but also greater awareness of DA and increased confidence in responding to it appropriately across the sector.
The Practitioner Quality Support Co-Ordinator also leads on a Domestic Abuse Practitioner Forum for frontline workers across Leeds, focused on developing ways of sharing and improving practice.
Gemma's Story
Gemma is an 18-year-old woman who was initially being supported by another housing provider and their OWL DA Practitioner.
After the breakdown of her placement at their provision and no alternative offer of accommodation available to her, Gemma was homeless and sofa surfing. Due to the difficulties in finding appropriate accommodation, her case was discussed in the monthly DA practitioner peers support meeting due to ongoing safeguarding concerns.
Gemma had suffered significant childhood trauma, including the removal of her child due to experiencing domestic abuse. Gemma had mental health and substance use support needs and had again become homeless. Gemma had struggled to engage with support due to this.
It was agreed by all the DA practitioners that a multi-agency response was required to minimise the risk Gemma was facing and St Anne’s Community Services working closely with OWLS and Leeds City Council were able facilitate a placement offer for Gemma at Somewhere Safe to Stay (SSTS).
The DA practitioners from St Anne’s and OWL were able to objectively look at what had and hadn’t worked at Gemma’s previous placements and with this in mind, make appropriate adaptations to improve the probability of Gemma’s new placement being a success.
Gemma accepted the offer of a stand-alone property on the grounds of SSTS which is staffed 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Gemma’s OWL’s DA practitioner was able to remain in contact for the first four weeks of her placement at SSTS to aid transition into new premises and support. This was invaluable.
Gemma has a designated DA worker who is based at SSTS. Due to the available flexibility of the onsite DA practitioner, Gemma’s engagement has increased and her relationship with service providers has improved.
Gemma is no longer experiencing DA and other appropriate, more long term, accommodation offers are explored. Gemma has regular contact with her child and has recently shared, she considering returning to education.
Resources for professionals
Click here to explore resources aimed at professionals working with someone affected by domestic violence and abuse.
How We Can Help
Click here to find out more about the different kinds of support Leeds Domestic Violence Service provides.
Who We Support
Click here to find out more about who LDVS supports and our inclusive approach.