Domestic Violence
Some 1.2 million women and 700,000 men experience domestic violence each year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
However, these figures relate only to official reports of violence, with the real figure likely to be much higher. The effect on survivors' mental health is profound and obvious.
- Domestic violence has an estimated overall cost to mental healthcare of £176 million.
- Research suggests that people experiencing domestic abuse are more likely to experience mental health problems. In contrast, women with mental health problems are more likely to be domestically abused, with 30-60% of people with mental health problems have experienced domestic violence.
- Domestic violence is associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance abuse in the general population.
- Exposure to domestic violence has a significant impact on children's mental health. Many studies have found strong links between poorer educational outcomes and higher levels of mental health problems.
Support
Below are some local organisations that may be able to help you. If there are any organisations that you think should be listed, please let us know by clicking here.
If you would like to see some national organisations, please click here.
Staying Safe
Calderdale Staying Safe is a domestic abuse support service provided by a well-established local charity. We have been providing free and confidential domestic abuse support for many years to people living across all areas of Calderdale, including Halifax, Brighouse, Elland, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. We believe that everyone has the right to live a life free from domestic violence and we are working together with other services across Calderdale to build a safer community for everyone.
Call for help now on: 01422 323339
The team are here to take your call Monday to Friday between 9am – 5pm
Focus 4 Hope
We provide help, support and essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community.
Here in our local region, we predominantly work with the elderly, the homeless, those who are fleeing domestic violence, and isolated/lonely individuals in need of support.
Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre
RASAC is a feminist organisation; registered charity, No. 1013211, that offers support and advisory services for people, aged 8+, who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic abuse, at any time in their lives, living in Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield.
Whilst we primarily focus on the needs of women; we recognise the social and psychological impact of men’s experiences as male identifying survivors and how this can compound their reluctance to disclose. Therefore we run a project on specific days that provides support service for males, aged 8 and over.
We offer counselling, emotional support, group therapy, reiki, male support services, art therapy, ISVA/Advocacy services, yoga and body work, pre-trial therapy and a helpline service that includes webchat, email and telephone.
Women Centre
Our wide-ranging services include emotional and practical support on issues such as debt, benefits, mental or physical health, domestic violence, counselling, training and development and much more.
Women Centre enables women to:
- improve health and well-being
- increase training and employment opportunities for improved economic conditions
- raise self-confidence, self-esteem and social interaction skills
- improve citizenship and social inclusion
- support the development of positive, safe and stable circumstances and relationships
- improve safety and wellbeing of their children
It is vitally important that you contact the police on 999 if you are in immediate danger or 101 if the threat is not imminent. Nobody should be victim to domestic violence. You can also text 999 if you have registered for emergencySMS services.
That's Mental Mate!
