More Domestic Violence Drop-in Services for Disabled Women
A domestic violence drop-in service which is accessed by a high proportion of disabled women is being given extra funding by NHS Leeds to increase its sessions. The additional funding will enable the drop-in service, which is run by Leeds Women’s Aid at St James’s Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary, to increase services from two to three days a week.
The new clinics will be delivered from the NHS Commuter Walk in Centre at the Light in Leeds City Centre. The clinics will begin on 18th June and they will run on Thursdays from 2pm until 4pm and Fridays from 10am until 12 noon. Other drop-in clinics are already held at:
- St James’s Hospital antenatal clinic: Mondays from 10.30am to 12.30pm
- St James’s Hospital accident and emergency department: Wednesdays from 9.00am to 11.00am
- Leeds General Infirmary antenatal clinic: Mondays and Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm
The drop-in clinics are open to all women in Leeds experiencing domestic abuse and they have proven particularly popular among women with mental health problems, physical impairments and learning disabilities. These women are traditionally less likely to access domestic abuse support services. However, in 2008-09, 28 percent of those accessing the Leeds Women’s Aid drop-in service had mental health problems, 8 percent had physical impairments and 1.5 percent had learning disabilities.
The drop-in clinics provide women with one-to-one signposting advice such as housing advice, informal counselling and telephone support services. This can range from providing a listening ear to developing self-esteem and confidence and giving support on staying safe and avoiding abusive relationships in the future.
Arwen Strudwick, Health and Domestic Violence Co-ordinator for NHS Leeds and the Leeds City Council Domestic Violence Team, explains,
“We’re delighted to be able to offer these extended services to local women, particularly as we know that the most vulnerable women in the city are already accessing the drop-in service more than any other local domestic violence service.
“We know that disabled women in particular experience specific issues and barriers around accessing services when experiencing domestic violence. Disabled women can often be controlled by the constant presence of a carer or the removal of visual or mobility aids to reduce contact with the outside world. That is why these services are so vital in assisting women to seek help where they already are and where they feel safe.”
Locally, 23% of women who are assaulted and seek treatment at Accident and Emergency declare that they are victims of domestic violence when they are asked. This figure rises to 27% when assaults in the patient’s home by a partner or ex-partner are included. Many more incidents go unreported because women are too afraid to speak out or don’t know where to turn for help and support. The Leeds Domestic Violence Strategic Partnership – made up of NHS Leeds, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and other support and health and social care agencies – commissions local services including Leeds Women’s Aid to help these women find the courage and support they need to break away from abusive relationships and help them and their families live safer, healthier and happier lives.
For more information about local drop-in services contact Leeds Women’s Aid on 0113 246 0401 (24 hours) or visit http://www.leedswomensaid.org.uk/ Women can also phone or text a worker on 0777 622 8196 to find out more.
Leeds
Voluntary Sector