Spotlighting the impact of DVA support

DVA campaign 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence has continued in Leeds with a conference bringing together organisations and services involved in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

The conference, attended by nearly 150 people, was organised by the Leeds Domestic Violence Service and fellow local DV practitioners to demonstrate how valuable their work is to victims and survivors and why the service is needed. It also provided an opportunity to network and share best practice relating to safeguarding women.

Beacon DV Practitioner Nic Hastie was involved in planning the event at Left Bank in Headingley but as she was unable to attend, Senior Manager Mia Cameron stepped in. As well as crewing the Beacon stand, Mia was one of a number of guest speakers at the event from key organisations involved in safeguarding women in West Yorkshire who gave an insight into their work and the great outcomes they have achieved.

Mia said: “I’m proud of Nic and her amazing work, kindness, empathy and support. It was great to stand in front of a Beacon slide with a client quote on it, full of thanks for making a difference to their life.

“I am proud of all my colleagues who work so hard to stop DVA and provide trauma-informed support.”  

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence runs from November 25 – December 10 and is part of the UN’s campaign Orange the World in hope of a future free from violence against women and girls.

If you need support, please contact the 24-hour Leeds Domestic Violence Service helpline: 0113 246 0401.