Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service
Getting support and reporting abuse
Everyone has the right to live a life free from fear and abuse. Support is available to anyone suffering from domestic abuse.
If you are in immediate danger, please call the police on 999.
If you would like support and advice around domestic abuse, you can call our helpline on 0800 915 1561. Working hours are Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm and Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The demand for our helpline can sometimes mean we can’t always answer calls on the first try. If this happens, please leave us a message with contact details and a time that’s safe to call you back.
Or email us on domesticabuse@wakefield.gov.uk and we will make contact with you. If you email out of hours, your query will be responded to in working hours.
If you are a professional looking to refer a client to the Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service (WDDAS), you can complete our web form.
You must be a Wakefield resident with a Wakefield GP to access the service. If you are unsure please contact the team before making a referral.
If you have children who also need support you can get support from your local Family Hub.
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Reporting abuse (general public)
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. To refer yourself please fill out the online form or call 0800 915 1561.
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Reporting abuse (professionals)
To refer a client to WDDAS you can fill out an online form or call 0800 915 1561
If you are a professional, please use The DASH risk assessment to complete and send with the referral to WDDAS.
Male victims
1 in 6 men will be a victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lives.
Domestic abuse can happen to men of all ages. Regardless of culture, age, or sexual orientation. If you are in an abusive relationship, please know you are not alone. There is support available in our district.
All victims have the same rights to protection and support. Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service (WDDAS) is here to offer advice and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Their main aim is to ensure that both you and your family are safe.
Remember domestic abuse isn’t just about violence. It can involve many different types of behaviour and ill treatment.
If you don’t feel comfortable contacting WDDAS, there are voluntary sector organisations specifically for male victims:
GASPED
Call 01924 787501 or visit www.gasped.co.uk. Practical and emotional support services to help male victims of domestic abuse. They are Wakefield based (Man Matters).
Mankind Initiative
Call Freephone 0808 800 117 (call will not show on bills) or call 0182 333 4244 (for those with inclusive minutes). This helpline is for men who are experiencing domestic abuse from female or male partners. Helpline available Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm.
The website provides support and information. Including how to access emergency accommodation and a Directory of Services.
Men’s Advice Line provided by Respect
Call Freephone 0808 801 0327 for men experiencing domestic abuse. Advice Line available Mon to Fri, 10am to 5pm.
A website for victims and professionals with webchat and a wide range of information.
Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASAC)
Call 0300 303 4787. This service offers therapeutic support and ISVA services to all individuals who have experienced rape, sexual or domestic violence, regardless of sex or gender identity, visit the RASAC website for further information.
What can you expect when you contact Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service?
A trained member of staff will talk to you, as much as you feel comfortable, about your current situation.
This is so we can help you in the best way possible. You will be asked some questions about your relationship. This will to help us assess any risks towards you and/or your family. It will also help us understand how we can support you.
We will support you over the phone. If you feel you need to speak to someone face to face this will be arranged where we can.
We have access to interpreters if English is not your first language.
We will ask you at the start of the call for your consent to keep your details and details of our conversation on our database. You don’t need to share anything you don’t want to and can stay anonymous if you would prefer.
The helpline team will discuss with you anything you need to do to keep yourself safe immediately. This could include emergency lock changes and sanctuary work (where appropriate). They will also discuss with you your next steps and will give you information about other services that can support you.
If you need the services from a one-to-one practitioner, you will be passed on to our Casework Team.
Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioners (SDAP)
Our team of SDAP’s provide one-to-one support for victims of domestic abuse across many different areas. This includes support around criminal matters such as attending court and legal orders. We also offer safety planning and advocacy. Which means we will support you to express your views and wishes. We can offer housing advice and emotional support. You will be offered support and be given information about other services that can support you.
SDAP's will talk to you about how you would like this support; face to face, over the phone, email, or a mixture of support.
The SDAP will complete an Individual Safety and Support Plan (ISSP) with you. This will explain the support offered to you. This will include WDDAS and other services.
We will support you to make choices and decisions about your life moving forwards.
Sanctuary
We can carry out a sanctuary assessment on your home to allow you to stay in your home and keep you as safe as possible.
Our sanctuary practitioner will talk to you about safety measures as part of the assessment. This could include lock changes, extra locks and lighting.
PETALS
PETALS is a friendly support group for women (18+) who have experienced domestic abuse.
PETALS stands for: Potential, being Empowered and Together Achieve and Learn and have Strength.
The group is a safe space for women to come together and speak to others who have been in a similar situation. Together they can build a support network, feel valued and gain confidence for the future.
The groups also provide information and advice. As well as a range of activities to promote positive wellbeing.
There are PETAL groups across the district.
For more information please contact: DAengagement@wakefield.gov.uk.
Other support
View a list of other organisations that you can contact to get help and support.
Some of the services are local, and others are services offered nationally. You can visit each site to see which might be right for you and your family.
We are a consent-based service. This means you can withdraw your consent to work with us at any time.