30,000 calls to domestic abuse charity in one year

A Yorkshire domestic abuse charity says it handled almost 30,000 calls to its helpline in 2025, averaging 80 per day.

Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) is a specialist charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in North and South Yorkshire.

It responded to 29,513 helpline calls and 20,762 referrals last year and supported more people through community-based support services like drop-in sessions.

A spokesperson for the organisation said the figures showed both "the prevalence of domestic abuse and the growing awareness of specialist services" in the region.

More than 8,000 people received specialist support throughout the year including hundreds of children and young people, according to the charity's 2025 impact report.

In the report, CEO Sarah Hill said: "We believe that everyone has the right to live a fulfilled life, free from abuse and violence and we want to ensure that this is a reality for those we support today and for future generations.

"To this end, we work to challenge the structures and systems that harm survivors, and we stand against the victim-blaming and damaging stereotypes that underpin the abuse of women and girls in our society.

"We work with partners across the sector to call for changes to harmful systems and structures that impact survivors and their children."

IDAS trains professionals to respond supportively to disclosures of domestic abuse or sexual violence and to signpost those affected to the organisation.

It also offers drop-in sessions in trusted community spaces, allowing people to seek support in a safe and discrete manner.

The report added: "Thank you to the unsung heroes and heroines who quietly fundraise and donate to IDAS throughout the year.

"We rely on your kindness, generosity and support so that we can continue to deliver our lifesaving services."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

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