Help women and children live in safety

GlobalGiving – February 2024

Hello all,

We want to open this report by expressing our immense gratitude for the support you have extended to Leeds Women's Aid.

The ongoing generosity of our donors enables us to assist women and families in living a life free from abuse and fear.

Thank you for supporting our silent auction!

We are delighted to share that our silent auction raised over £1,750 earlier this month, taking us a step closer towards funding a new children and young people’s hub for families living in our emergency refuge accommodation

Thank you so much to our sponsors who generously gifted items to our auction and to everyone who placed a bid – we hope those who were successful enjoy their items and experiences!

Christmas 2023

This Christmas, we were truly overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of the organisations and individuals who donated items for the women and children who reside in our emergency refuge accommodation or donated money to help fund our vital services.

Families often have very few belongings when they arrive with us. The kind gifts of toys, books, pyjamas and toiletries made a massive difference and meant a great deal to the women and children we support, letting them know that people are thinking of them.

Our Impact 1 April 2022 - 31 March 2023

In England and Wales, 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Two women a week are killed by a current/former partner.

We received over 12,500 requests for support by either phone, email or online chat

100 families were supported within refuge

Of the women we supported:

80% experienced emotional abuse

63% Experienced physical abuse

57% women supported in refuge experienced financial abuse

Children &Young People

Of the children and young people we supported:

88% said they feel like LWA has had a positive difference in their life

74% said they feel more confident about themselves

“Without support from LWA I don’t think I would have survived. I had broken away from the relationship but of course that didn’t stop the abuse or prevent the escalation in dangerous, unstable stalking. LWA restored my self-resect and ability to feel safe and look to the future”— Quote from a client who we supported in refuge.

Charity Shop

We pride ourselves on having a strong presence within the local community and have participated in local events such as the Horsforth Walk of Art and End of Summer Party. We have organised several private events where refuge residents can visit the shop and choose items they need at no cost to themselves. These events are an extension of the support we provide and empower our residents by allowing them to pick out clothes and accessories for themselves and/or their children.

The charity shop recycling rag scheme has had a significant impact in raising funds and promoting waste reduction. Through the sale of rags, the scheme has raised £3,166 and recycled 12.6 tonnes of textiles, shoes, bags and household linen.

To stay updated on the work of our charity, please follow us on social media:

Facebook: facebook.com/leedswomensaid

Twitter: @LeedsWomensAid

Instagram: @LeedsWomensAid

Best wishes,

Nik