Outside body

Leeds Women’s Aid (LWA) is an independent charity, formed in 1972, providing services to women and children affected by Domestic Violence & Abuse (DV & A). We provide a range of the very best services for vulnerable women and families who are victims and survivors of: domestic, sexual & honour based violence and abuse; forced marriage; trafficking; stalking and harassment.

LWA mission is to protect women and families from the damage that Domestic Violence & Abuse can inflict on their lives

Services include ;

Emergency refuge accommodation; 24/7 telephone helpline; drop-in services; healthy relationship programmes; Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs); working with women experiencing complex needs; community development and support & interventions for children and young people.

LWA merged with HALT in July 2017 and is now the largest women’s charitable organisation in Leeds. It acts as the lead agency for the following two consortiums: Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) contracted by the local authority to provide all community and accommodation based support for families and individuals affected by DV & A; and the Big Lottery funded Women’s Lives Leeds (WLL) project.

Who we help

Any person can experience DV & A regardless of gender, race, ethnic or religious group, sexuality, class, ability, lifestyle or other identity.

 DV & A can include physical, sexual and/or Honour Based Violence, as well as emotional, psychological, financial abuse, stalking, controlling and coercive behaviour and Forced Marriage.

LWA supports women and children predominantly from Leeds and the Yorkshire and Humber region, but also often works with women from across the UK when safety issues arise.

In leading the LDVS contract, LWA also offers services to men and the trans community by training and leading services in supporting and reducing barriers to support for LGBT+ people.