Diversity & Inclusion
This page explains how Domestic Violence & Abuse (DV&A) affects different groups and the various ways we work towards inclusivity and prioritise accessibility within Leeds Women’s Aid.
Read the Leeds Women’s Aid Statement on Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery here.
DV&A is a global health problem as well as a violation against human rights. We recognise that anyone can experience DV&A, however women are disproportionately affected. For example, women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking) and in particular sexual violence.
Some women who experience other forms of oppression and discrimination may face further barriers to disclosing abuse and finding help. For example, women from black and minority ethnic communities, refugees and asylum seekers, those experiencing honour based violence, forced marriage or female genital mutilation, trans women or non-binary people, pregnant, older or younger women and disabled women.
Inequality cuts across multiple characteristics and there are inherent interrelated inequalities existing for women in relation to race, religion, gender identity, sexuality, age, class and ability.
Gendered Services
Since Leeds Women’s Aid (LWA) opened the first refuge for women outside of London in 1973, we have offered and operated women only services, recognising the need for gender specific Domestic Violence & Abuse (DV&A) services.
We recognise that there are differing views regarding sex and gender identity and we are committed to an approach that is responsive and respectful. We manage to deliver women centred services in a truly inclusive way in safe and appropriate environments.
Although LWA operates women only services, LWA is also the lead agency in Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS), a project delivering all of the local authority commissioned accommodation and community based DV&A services in Leeds. Through LDVS, we offer emergency accommodation and community support for people of any gender experiencing DV&A.
To learn more about the support we offer, visit Get Support.
LGBT+ People
Statistics show that trans people experience significantly high percentages of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. Trans people can experience domestic abuse from a same or opposite sex partner, and can do so regardless of the gender identity of either person.
Trans people can also experience abuse from family members, this may occur after they have come out, during transition or when they enter into a relationship where either or both partners are Trans.
All of our frontline staff have been trained in working with, and removing barriers for, LGBT+ people and we are currently examining our practices, working towards ensuring that our services are accessible, responsive and appropriate for LGBT+ people in Leeds.
Supporting Different Faiths and Cultures
DV&A is perpetuated in many different ways, and often by multiple abusers, and many women say that race and religion compound their experiences as female survivors of DV&A, often actual and fear of racism silencing them.
Due to multiple levels of discrimination, women from black and minority ethnic communities, refugees and asylum seekers and those experiencing Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage or Female Genital Mutilation, experience greater isolation and additional barriers to accessing help and support.
We strive to ensure that women of all, any or no faiths or religions or any ethnic background have equality of access to support from our services, and that they are treated with culturally appropriate respect. We offer interpreters for up to 200 languages and bring a wealth of cultural competence in regards to the experiences of our local Leeds demographic.
Supporting Those with Disabilities
We have dedicated accessible spaces within our refuge to accommodate those with physical disabilities and we work closely with partner agencies to provide well round support for those with mental disabilities.
Through LDVS, we run the Sanctuary Support Scheme, a project which supports people experiencing DV&A to remain safe in their homes. The Sanctuary Support Team has a specialised disability worker, who supports those with physical and or mental disabilities.
Our accessibility key facts:
- We offer interpreters for telephone and face to face work, including BSL and up to 200 spoken languages, and translations for written information
- We offer technological alternatives in offering support, such as online chat and virtual support
- We provide transport or transport costs if we can, particularly if a client needs to attend court
- We offer help in finding, and funding, childcare where possible
- We have accessible places to meet and accessible refuge spaces
- We conduct Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans for refuge residents
- We communicate in a professional but plain-English way, working in flexible ways to make people’s experience of support the best it can be