All the domestic abuse helplines and services available for wherever you are in Yorkshire over Christmas

It is no breaking news story that calls to domestic abuse services have risen in 2020.
Support for domestic abuse survivors and victims over ChristmasSupport for domestic abuse survivors and victims over Christmas
Support for domestic abuse survivors and victims over Christmas

Helplines and online chat services run by local authorities and charities have been lifelines for some people who have been locked down with abusive, controlling or even violent partners or family members, and the issue has been at the forefront of conversations this year.

But although Christmas, for many this year, may be a welcome brief respite for many at the end of a terrible year, for many others it may be a time of fear and misery.

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Police forces see spikes in domestic abuse-related calls every Christmas, often stemming from increased drinking at home and family pressures.

Support for domestic abuse survivors, perpetrators and victims over ChristmasSupport for domestic abuse survivors, perpetrators and victims over Christmas
Support for domestic abuse survivors, perpetrators and victims over Christmas

In West Yorkshire - Yorkshire's most densely-populated county - domestic abuse calls account for one in six crimes. Yet many victims of abuse at home will not call police, and instead opt to speak to people for support.

It is important to remember that domestic abuse takes many forms and not just violence; anything from controlling behaviour, intimidation, emotional and psychological abuse and having your finances controlled is all a form of abuse and against the law.

Chief Superintendent Shelley Hemsley, South Yorkshire Police's lead for domestic abuse, said: “Examples might be a partner saying who you can and can’t see, telling you what you wear, checking your bank accounts, taking your phone away or stopping you seeing your family.

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“Controlling behaviour can often lead to other forms of abuse, but it’s also an offence in its own right. If you’re concerned, it’s always worth speaking to someone.”

Here are the various helplines and services available over Christmas for anyone in Yorkshire who needs to speak to someone for support. If a crime is happening, please pick up the phone and call 999 in an emergency, or call Samaritans on 116 123 for someone to talk to during a personal crisis.

Refuge's National Domestic Abuse Helpline – open 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 0808 2000 247.

Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) – call 03000 110 110 seven days a week if you are in North Yorkshire or Barnsley, or 0808 808 2241 in Sheffield (closed on Sundays). IDAS' online live chat services are available between 3pm and 6pm on Monday to Friday, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Leeds Women's Aid– helpline open 24 hours on 0113 246 0401.

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Sheffield Domestic Abuse Co-ordination Team – helpline open Monday – Friday (excluding bank holidays) between 8am and 7pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm on 0808 808 2241

Bradford's Staying Put service provides support, advice and emergency accommodation for men and women in the district, and can be called on 0808 2800 999 between 9.30am and 12pm, and 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Monday to Friday.

Respect is a national helpline for perpetrators of domestic abuse to reach out for non-judgmental and confidential advice and support, and is available on 0808 8024040 on Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm.

Karma Nirvana is a Leeds-based national helpline and service supporting victims of honour-based abuse such as girls who are worried they are being coerced into a marriage. They can be contacted on 0800 5999 247 from 9am to 5pm between Monday and Friday. The Home Office Forced Marriage Unit is also available on 0207 0080151.

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Hull Domestic Abuse Partnership – call 01482 318 759. Hull Women's Aid is also available on 01482 446099.

Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub – call 01302 737080 Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.

Rotherham Rise – support and advice for victims of domestic abuse and sexual exploitation in Rotherham available on 0330 2020571.

Galop is a charity supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who experience domestic abuse and can be contacted on 0300 999 5428 between 10am and 5pm on Monday to Friday, and is open until 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays.