More calls than ever to domestic abuse helpline

A Sheffield domestic abuse helpline has been busier than ever before

Domestic abuse support services in Sheffield have dealt with thousands of cases over the past year, with the city's dedicated helpline the busiest it has ever been.

More than 11,560 calls were made to the Sheffield Domestic Abuse Helpline, according to the city council's annual report on domestic and sexual abuse for 2024/25.

Meanwhile, 37,390 city residents aged 16 and over were victims of domestic abuse, the council said.

The report found 99% of people who accessed services said they felt helped, including one victim named only as Alina who said the advice had been "lifesaving".

Alina was referred to the charity Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) by police following several incidents of high-risk domestic abuse in which her child was present.

IDAS run the domestic abuse helpline on behalf of the council.

Alina had little social support in Sheffield but was helped to access benefits and referred to Citizens Advice for help with debts that had accrued due to economic abuse.

IDAS put Alina in touch with other professionals, liaised with police and social workers and helped her access further support.

She thanked IDAS for its "compassion and understanding".

'Life-threatening injuries'

The data, covering the period April 2024-March 2025, showed there were 1,215 high-risk cases of domestic abuse, and highlighted themes including abuse continuing after couples had separated.

According to the report, support services had raised concerns over a lack of government funding, delays within the criminal justice system, victims with complex needs and a lack of housing.

The report includes a case review of a Sheffield woman who had been repeatedly assaulted and eventually ended the relationship when her baby was less than a year old.

Four months later her ex-partner attacked her, leaving her with life-threatening injuries.

She has since recovered but is left with long-term physical and psychological injuries.

Her partner was sentenced to nine years in prison and given a lifetime restraining order.

Case reviews also highlight that it is not always partners who attack.

In one case, a 66-year-old woman was seriously injured by her adult son, who was experiencing a psychotic episode. He had attacked her four months previously.

And a woman in her 50s was stabbed by her father who had complex health needs including Alzheimer's disease.

IDAS have a £1.4m contract to run the domestic abuse helpline, one-to-one and group support sessions, and training for professionals.

It also shares £740,000 funding with Sheffield Women's Aid to provide two refuges and other accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse.

There are 88 safe accommodation units citywide.

Sheffield's Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 808 2241 and is open between 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Friday, and 11:00 and 20:00 on Saturday and Sunday.

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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