Domestic abuse charity IDAS hides chocolate bars around York city centre in heartwarming bid to reach out to victims

York-based charity Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) has secreted treats in different spots around the city centre in the hopes of reaching out to anyone struggling at home or facing harassment and gender-based violence.

The charity has included information on support available for victims of violence and abuse - as well as the number for its helpline - inside the wrappers of the chocolate bars, which were kindly supplied by York-based independent business, Choc Affair.

The move is part of the UK-wide campaign, 16 Days of Action, which began today (Wednesday) on International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Melanie Fox, an outreach worker for IDAS, said: "We've been kindly donated 16 bars of chocolate from Choc Affair in York, and we're going to be hiding them around the city for people to find as a gift.

"If you do find one, please help yourself.

"There will be some information in there about IDAS and the service we provide, so if yourself or anybody else, including family or friends, need any support or advice please encourage them to pick up the phone and get some support from us."

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics today revealed that one in five incidents reported to police during the first UK lockdown involved domestic abuse.

Speaking about the 16 Days campaign, Detective Superintendent Allan Harder, Lead for Safeguarding at North Yorkshire Police, said: “If people talk more openly about abuse, it’s not being allowed to hide away.

"By opening those channels of communication, it breaks down the barriers and removes some of the stigma that victims may feel and encourages them to come forward.

"Talking more openly also helps to raise awareness of the signs of abuse and encourages people to report it to police. We can then all play our part to make it stop.

“We also hope that through showing our support, all victims of abuse – whether it is emotional, physical, mental, sexual, honour based or financial – will gain confidence from knowing we are here, ready to help and support them to take back control of their lives."

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