Member Article

YMCA Together extends domestic abuse service to include men for first time

YMCA Together is extending its domestic abuse service by almost doubling the number of refuge units and offering safe spaces for men and their children for the first time.

The charity already has two refuges in the city with 28 units of accommodation for women and children but has now been awarded a Safer Accommodation Contract that will provide a further 23 units, including two for male victims/survivors and their children and is due to start providing support from July 2023.

This will be the first time that YMCA Together has been able to provide a safe space for men and their children who have been suffering from domestic abuse.

The team at YMCA Together has worked in partnership with the Paul Lavelle Foundation to secure the contract, which is funded by Liverpool City Council, and they will continue to work with them to offer vital resources and support systems to male victims/survivors of domestic abuse. The foundation will work with YMCA Together supporting men through 1-2-1 emotional, practical and confidence building support, community work, activities and putting them in touch with people with similar experiences.

Paul Lavelle was killed by his girlfriend in 2017 after a period of domestic abuse. His friends and family set up the foundation to raise awareness of male domestic abuse and offer support to men experiencing it.

Cheryll Hamid, Operational Lead for Domestic Abuse at YMCA Together, said: “We have seen an increased demand for safe spaces and accommodation units for victims/survivors of domestic abuse and the new contract means that we will be able to help more people who desperately need our support. The number of units we have means that we can expand the support infrastructure across the area and provide safety and stability for those who have suffered and help them to rebuild their lives.”

This further strengthens YMCA’s commitment to fostering safer and healthier communities by addressing the pressing issue of domestic abuse.

Recognising the urgent need for intervention and support, the 177-year-old organisation, which operates across Merseyside, has taken proactive steps to establish the domestic abuse service which offers a range of vital resources and support systems tailored to meet the unique needs of survivors. These include safe accommodation, emotional support, advocacy and outreach and counselling and therapy.

Cheryll added: “We know that there are men in this region who need support and we hope that our work with the Paul Lavelle Foundation encourages men who are suffering to feel safe and comfortable to come forward and seek help.

“Having just a couple of units for male victims/survivors is encouraging and proactive for the city because it’s something we’ve never been able to provide before now. The increase in the number of units means that we can support more people and YMCA Together encourages anyone affected by domestic abuse, or anyone concerned about someone else, to reach out for support. Confidentiality is of utmost importance, and all services are provided in a safe and non-judgmental environment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma McGee .