Domestic Abuse Survivor Project Recognised by Leeds Police

December 18, 2025 Off By

Leeds Domestic Violence Service Voices Project receives Partner of the Year award

The Leeds Domestic Violence Service (LDVS) Voices Project has been named Partner of the Year by Leeds District Police in recognition of its survivor-led engagement work aimed at improving police responses to domestic abuse. The project, which began its partnership with the police in 2024, focuses on supporting victim-survivors to collaborate with organisations and influence service improvements.

Impact on policing and survivor support

Since its inception, the Voices Project has contributed to significant changes in how police officers interact with victim-survivors of domestic abuse. Notably, the project inspired the introduction of a new confidentiality statement for individuals receiving Clare’s Law disclosures. It has also influenced a cultural shift in police approaches to domestic abuse callouts, encouraging a more consistent, compassionate, and trauma-informed response.

Participants in the project share their lived experiences to help build trust between victim-survivors and the police. This survivor-led approach has been credited with amplifying previously unheard voices and introducing discreet and accessible support options for those affected.

Award citation and official comments

The award citation highlights the project’s innovation in survivor-led engagement and its inclusive, multi-community approach, which has driven cultural change, improved safety, and empowered survivors to shape ongoing domestic abuse services.

Detective Superintendent Sarah Lambert of West Yorkshire Police, who nominated the project, stated: “The LDVS Voices Project is an incredibly well-deserved winner of Partner of the Year. This recognition reflects the power of collaboration between police and domestic abuse survivors to create meaningful change. By amplifying lived experience, we have raised awareness and deepened officers’ understanding of domestic abuse, ensuring responses are more compassionate and effective.”

Nicola Marlow, Project Manager of the Voices Project, explained that the Domestic Abuse Act requires local authorities to engage with victim-survivors, but that police engagement is voluntary and requires commitment from both survivors and officers. She added: “This award recognises the effort, courage and collaboration of everyone involved.”

Project background and partners

The Voices Project is commissioned by Leeds City Council and comprises four dedicated teams working with women, men, children, and LGBT+ communities to understand diverse domestic abuse experiences and improve local services. It is delivered by specialist organisations including Leeds Women’s Aid, Behind Closed Doors, and Yorkshire MESMAC.

Recently, the project shared its insights at a national police conference on domestic abuse, attended by representatives from 17 police forces across the UK.