Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service

Getting support

Everyone has the right to live a life free from fear and 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. Or you can e-mail domesticabuse@wakefield.gov.uk. Hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5pm and Friday 8.30am - 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.

The DASH risk assessment can be found here for professionals to complete and send with the referral to WDDAS.

If you have children who also need support you can get support from your local Family Hub.

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 121 practitioner you will be passed on to our Casework Team.

Specialist Domestic Abuse Practitioners (SDAP)

Our team of SDAP’s provide 121 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 with you 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 and 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

Here is 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.