Everyone has the right to live in safety. For people experiencing domestic abuse, finding a safe space is often the first critical step towards rebuilding their lives.

We work closely with local organisations, support services and charities to make sure that individuals and families affected by domestic abuse get the help they need, when they need it most.

Helping survivors is about more than just a home, it requires emotional support, strong partnerships and skilled colleagues prepared to respond with compassion and care.

This blog shares the story of Anne, a Leeds Federated customer who found safety and hope after fleeing a long and abusive marriage.

The first steps to freedom

Walking out with just her handbag, Anne left everything behind. She fled to her local council and within the same day, they’d connected her to us so we could find her a permanent home.

The council arranged temporary accommodation for Anne and introduced her to our Neighbourhood Officer, Brenda. Brenda supported Anne to move from temporary accommodation into one of our homes and made sure she had everything she needed.

“The staff at Housing Options were great from start to finish. They were easy to talk to. I never felt embarrassed or ashamed. They found me temporary accommodation while my home was being sorted, and within two weeks, they put me in touch with Brenda. I couldn’t believe I had a home to move into!

“Brenda was just excellent. She got me all the documents I needed, and she stayed in touch every step of the way.”

When Anne first visited the home, she knew instantly it was hers.

“Although it didn’t have much furniture straight away, it was freshly decorated, and it was beautiful. I couldn’t believe the size. I signed up there and then.

“With each day, I got stronger. I found strength in my new home and in speaking with Brenda. The first night I slept there, I said to myself, ‘This is me now. This is the first day of the rest of my life.”

A supportive community

“My neighbours are lovely.” Anne continues. “They chat to me and invite me round for a cup of tea. We’ve got a weekly breakfast club, we go to bingo, and we sit outside in the sunshine together. I wasn’t allowed friends before, now I have a community.”

“Even the local police officer drops by the breakfast club sometimes to say hello. He told me he’s around if I ever need anything. I’m safe. I’m happy.

“I love getting the bus and going to the shops, I’ve never had this kind of freedom before.

“If anyone’s going through something similar, please don’t be afraid to reach out. There is help out there – local agencies, the council, people who care. I used to hold back, but now I wonder why I waited so long.”

“I’ve left before, but I always went back because of empty promises. This time, it was the last straw. I needed a new start.”

A coordinated response

Brenda recalls how the partnership with Leeds City Council came together to support Anne.

“We work closely with councils and other agencies to help people find safe, secure homes. I had an empty home available when Housing Options contacted me about Anne. They told me they had a woman in need of a home, and I said, ‘send her my way’. Because her situation was an emergency, we managed to sort things out quickly.

“We helped Anne get all the right documentation and supported her how to set up an email address as she didn’t have one”.

Keeping customers safe

Brenda continues, “Just like the rest of my team, I’m committed to keeping customers safe. We do a lot of training to equip us with the knowledge and skills to help customers in all kinds of situations. Domestic abuse training is something we have regularly every year. It opens our eyes to be on the lookout.

“We’re trained to spot the signs and reach out. We also encourage customers to contact us, but we know how difficult that first step can be. We just want people to know we’re here to help.

“It’s amazing to see how far Anne has come. She’s safe, she’s happy, and that’s all that matters.”

Reporting abuse

We care about our customers and want to make sure they’re safe from harm, abuse and neglect. If you think someone might be at risk, or suffering from harm, abuse and neglect, please phone us on 0113 3861000 or email us at  hello@lfha.co.uk.

We treat all reports confidentially and work with partners to reduce the risk of harm.

If you think someone is in immediate danger you should call the police on 999.

You can find more information and resources about keeping people safe, using the links below:

• Easy read leaflet about how you can get help and support in Leeds to stay safe from abuse
• Support available in Leeds if you think someone may be experiencing harm, abuse or neglect
• Support for victims of domestic abuse in North Yorkshire
• Safeguarding adults from abuse in Wakefield
• Information about reporting abuse, harm and neglect in Kirklees
• Support for victims of domestic abuse in Kirklees