TSB branches across West Yorkshire become 'safe spaces'
People can make calls from a private room, speak to trained staff, and ring the police if they need to
From today, victims of domestic abuse in West Yorkshire can access a safe space in local TSB branches.
During the last lockdown, there's been a 30 percent rise in demand for support and there's warnings this could increase further.
"All businesses should know the basic referral pathways, if a victim was to come and disclose incidents of domestic abuse."
The scheme has been launched by the domestic abuse charity Hestia and its UK SAYS NO MORE campaign.
It's hoped it will allow more victims to find help on their local high street, especially as lockdown restrictions ease across the UK.
People will be able to make calls from a private room, speak to trained staff, and ring the police if they need to.
Joanna Geary, the founder of break the silence in Wakefield, is a survivor of domestic abuse, she said:
"It's very difficult to speak to people you are connected with, so it's really, really important that there are safe spaces for people to talk, so they're able to move forward and get the correct help and support.
"As a community, we have a duty of safeguarding. I'm not suggesting that all businesses become trained domestic abuse support worker, but all businesses should know the basic referral pathways, if a victim was to come and disclose incidents of domestic abuse."
Which stores are involved?
Huddersfield- Cloth Hall Street
Leeds- Headrow
Bradford
Leeds- Keighley
Huddersfield- Ossett
Huddersfield- Northgate Wakefield