Last night the council’s Inner West Community Committee focused its attention on domestic violence with a special workshop to look at how new citywide initiatives and investment will be delivered in Armley, Bramley and Stanningley and Kirkstall Wards, writes Kate Sibson.
Local councillors and 10 members of the public heard hard hitting presentations from the council’s Domestic Violence Service Manager and Jane Thoy from the charity Behind Closed Doors.
They highlighted one shocking statistic after another, including the fact than one in four women will experience domestic violence or abuse during their lifetime.
Following the presentations, the committee, partners and members of the public discussed how to raise awareness of domestic violence services locally, and encourage more victims to come forward.
A pilot project in GP surgeries has doctors routinely asking women if they are experiencing domestic violence at home which has led to many victims coming forward and receiving support.
Domestic violence is one Leeds City Council’s top priorities. A 24 hour helpline has been launched on 0113 246 0401 and other projects include work in schools and with perpetrators. For more information on domestic violence services in Leeds visit ww.leeds.gov.uk/domesticviolenceandabuse.
The Dispatch reported earlier today on how a new scheme aims to strengthen local domestic violence services and allow the council to improve the effectiveness of its victim support schemes. The initiative will be initially rolled out in Armley.
What do you think? Is enough being done to tackle domestic violence? Have your say in the comments section below.