Domestic violence in Leeds casts shadow on summer holidays

For too many women, the summer holidays are a time of fear and the threat of violence from abusive partners.

Incidents of domestic violence are always high during the long school summer holiday period. Last August, in Leeds, there were over 800 incidences reported to the police.

This year, Safer Leeds, the city’s crime and disorder reduction partnership, is reminding women that they do not have to endure abusive behaviour.

Councillor Les Carter, executive board member responsible for community safety and chair of safer Leeds said:
“If you are suffering domestic violence we are saying that life does not have to be like this. We can and will help you and keep you and your children safe.”

The school summer holidays can be particularly stressful for women and children living with violent partners because the family are together for an extended period.

Domestic violence is not caused by alcohol, but it is a factor in half of the cases reported to the police. Domestic violence incidents are more likely to result in serious injuries when alcohol is involved.

Councillor Carter continued:
“Men who are violent when they drink will often try and avoid taking responsibility for the violence, but there is always a choice. If drinking makes you violent then choose not to drink.”

If you are concerned about domestic violence towards yourself or someone you know, you should contact the police on 0845 6060606 (asking for the domestic violence coordinator), Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, or 999 in an emergency.

Notes:
• Safer Leeds is the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) dedicated to tackling drugs and crime in the city. It is a partnership organisation between a number of local agencies including Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police, NHS Leeds, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and West Yorkshire Police Authority.

/ENDS

For further information contact:
John Donegan
(0113) 247 4450 (mon-wed am) (0113) 395 1510 (wed pm-fri)
john.donegan@leeds.gov.uk