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Get help and support

Whether you are currently experiencing domestic abuse or have recently left an abusive relationship, it is important to know you are not alone and you are not to blame.

Specialist support workers are here to help and support you. They will listen to you, understand your situation, explain what they can do to help and most importantly make sure you're happy with how to move forward.

Everything will be done at your own speed. There is no judgement and nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Help someone else who is, or has experienced domestic abuse

Here are some steps you can take to help someone who confides in you that they are experiencing domestic abuse:

  1. Give them time to talk at their own pace. Listen, try to understand and never blame the victim. They are not alone. Domestic abuse happens in all kinds of relationships and there are many people in similar situations. No one deserves to be abused, no matter what the abuser might have said to them.
  2. Ask if they need medical treatment because of injury.
  3. Encourage them to express their feelings and make their own decisions. Acknowledge that it takes time to trust someone enough to talk about their situation.
  4. Give them contact details of services that can help, listed on this webpage. These specialist domestic abuse services can offer you, and the person you are helping, a range of advice and support like safety planning, understanding legal rights, access to specialist support and safe accommodation, but make sure this is what the person you are helping chooses.
  5. Download the Bright Sky app. This free of charge app is available from all app stores. It provides support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know. The app is available to use in English, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.
  6. Help them report the abuse to the Police if they choose.
  7. Go with them to see a solicitor if they are ready to take that step.
  8. Plan safe strategies if they want to leave the abusive relationship or situation.

Don't forget to look after yourself:

  • Don't put yourself into a dangerous situation
  • Don't offer to talk to the abuser
  • Don't offer something you can't, or don't want to

Help for those who use abusive behaviour

Cautioning and Relationship Abuse (CARA) Project - a way of dealing with first time, 'standard risk' offenders of domestic abuse (intimate partner/ex intimate partner or family member abuse) out of court. Referrals to CARA must come from West Yorkshire Police as part of a conditional caution.

Recognise, Reflect, Change (RCC) Programme (Yorkshire Children's Centre) - A 6-week intervention for men involved in intimate relationship abuse where assessment results show first time offending to a higher than 'standard risk', or for those who have repeated offending but not to a level that is identified as 'high risk'. The programme focuses on the effects of domestic abuse on the victim and wider families, accountability and challenging denial, sexual respect and positive parenting. Sessions are held in Batley and Huddersfield. To request a referral form, or to refer yourself, email DAPPenquiries@yccuk.org.uk.

Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme (DAPP) (Yorkshire Children's Centre) - a 17-week programme for perpetrators deemed to have prolific behavioural issues with high levels of physical abuse, sexual abuse and controlling, stalking and coercive behaviours.

Support services for those experiencing domestic abuse

For everyone

Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership

Support, advice, information and access to safe accommodation.

National Centre for Domestic Violence and Abuse

A free, fast emergency injunction service for survivors of domestic abuse.

West Yorkshire Police

Report domestic abuse to specially trained officers.

Victim support

Confidential, free services for anyone who's experienced domestic violence.

Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers - Victim Support

For women

Refuge

Safe accommodation with access to emotional and practical support.

Women's Aid

Help with aspects like housing, safety planning, dealing with police.

For men

Mankind Initiative

Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse across the UK.

Respect - Men's Advice Line

Helpline for male victims of domestic abuse.

For LGBTQ+ community

Galop

Specialist support for LGBT+ community.

Faith

Jewish Women's Aid
Muslim Community Helpline

Drug and alcohol


CGL Drug and Alcohol service
The Base

Financial support


Financial Support Line

Forced marriage


Forced Marriage Unit

Housing


Kirklees Housing Solutions
Kirklees Better Outcome Partnerships

Mental health


Single point of access (SPA)
Samaritans

Rape, sexual abuse, sexual health and revenge porn


Kirklees Calderdale Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (KCRASAC)

Revenge Porn Helpline
Yorkshire Mesmac

Social care


Child social care
Adult social care

Stalking


National Stalking Helpline

Information for employers

A safe and supportive workplace can make a real difference to a victim of domestic abuse helping their journey out of an abusive situation and improving their longer-term prospects.

Accessing and remaining in work is vital to earn an income and the security that brings, as well as making social connections and maintaining health and wellbeing.

For individuals experiencing domestic abuse, the workplace itself can also be a place of safety and respite from the abuser, and a place where they can make the arrangements they need and contact specialist services.

What you can do

  • Be aware and able to identify the signs of domestic abuse
  • Know how to respond safely and appropriately to a disclosure of domestic abuse
  • Know how to signpost to specialist services
  • Have a policy and approach to domestic abuse that:
    • sets out signs of domestic abuse, roles and responsibilities, education and training
    • implements steps to ensure safety in the workplace,
    • offers practical support to an employee in terms of paid leave access to flexible working and time out of work to deal with the consequences of domestic abuse

Further information and advice on Domestic Abuse advice for employers.

Need to talk?

For confidential advice, information and support, call the freephone 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 847.

Remember, always call 999 in an emergency.

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Bringing communities together to tackle domestic abuse.