Bramley-based Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan has taken part in a short video to raise awareness over domestic abuse against women.
Jamie is joined alongside other city wide leaders including Tom Riordan, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, Paul Money, Chief Officer for Safer Leeds, and The Revd Canon Sam Corley to raise awareness of domestic abuse and encourage men to promise that they will not commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The video can be viewed here:
The 16 Days of Action campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December. This year has seen a much bigger spike in domestic abuse cases due to the restrictions enforced during the ongoing coronavirus crisis which is a key focus throughout the video.
At the start of lockdown, there was a big increase in calls to the police and the LDVS local helpline and this increased further as the pandemic went on.
Worryingly, the increase in high risk cases and those with complex needs was very significant. Although levels of reporting reduced at the end of the first lockdown, they still remain higher than at the start of the year.
Sally Egan, of Lives Leeds Strategic Development, said:
“We’ve been working with Safer Leeds to find ways we can amplify the 16 days of action campaign and wider awareness of the work we’ve been doing to support women and girls within the current restrictions.
“Although this year it will be an online-only campaign, it has been a really positive experience, with everyone generously offering to share content and support in spread the message as wide as possible.”
For help and support with Domestic Abuse and Violence, contact the 24 hour LDVS helpline on 0113 246 0401 or visit their website – https://ldvs.uk/.
If you are in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999 or visit https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it/report-domestic-abuse for the online reporting form.
For honour based abuse and forced marriage, contact Karma Nirvana 0800 5999 247. For support for those who are concerned their behaviour is causing harm, contact Respect on 0808 8024040
UK SAYS NO MORE is also working with Boots UK, Superdrug pharmacies, Morrisons pharmacies and independent pharmacies across the UK to provide Safe Spaces in their consultation rooms for people experiencing domestic abuse. You can access a Safe Space by walking into any participating pharmacy in the UK and asking at the healthcare counter to use their Safe Space. To locate your nearest safe space, visit https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/.