A SMALL but mighty domestic abuse charity which was founded in Otley is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Behind Closed Doors marked the mile stone at its annual general meeting in December.

The charity was founded in Otley by a group of volunteer women who were worried about domestic abuse. They set up a much needed helpline to offer a safe space to talk to someone who understood. The charity now employs 22 people and works across the Leeds District with the mission to build lives free from domestic abuse.

Last year they worked with over 700 people who were affected by domestic abuse - a ten per cent increase on the year before and with the cost of living crisis demand for help is expected to continue to grow.

CEO of the charity Ruth Davany said: "Our AGM went really well, it was so humbling to hear directly from people we have supported about their experiences of domestic abuse.

"Behind Closed Doors started life in Otley 25 years ago by a group of women who wanted to offer a confidential helpline for people experiencing domestic abuse to talk to someone who understood. Our help and support has developed since then and in response to the changing needs of the world we live in. We provide help across the Leeds district, support everyone who is affected by domestic abuse and act to prevent it through training activities and awareness raising. We are there at the point of crisis to offer practical help and stay on to support the family through their recovery.

"January is usually our busiest month of the year, the Christmas period being so very difficult for people living in abusive relationships and also for some the new year marks a change and the time for them to reach for help. This year, we’re deeply worried about the additional impact the cost of living crisis will have on people experiencing domestic abuse. It will lead to a rise is economic abuse, create further barriers and obstacles to fleeing and see others, who feel so desperate, return to unsafe accommodation and abusive relationships."

One service user said: "This service gave me the chance to make my own choices. Nothing was ever too much trouble - they always were there for me. I had to leave my house of 17 years, which was really hard to do but from the support I got I was able to do this.”

Another service user said: "BCD is life-changing. I didn’t want to get out of bed, I didn’t want to leave the house. BCD completely and utterly changed where I was.”

Another service user said: “My relationship with my children was hanging by a thread, they were torn between me and their Dad and I did not have my life on track. I tried to run away from my problems and BCD taught me to tackle them head on. I now have three happy children that are calm and settled again. I am confident in my parenting and life in general. I’ve secured a new job, that I always wanted. I am happy being single and absolutely love my life now."

Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. If anyone is worried or would like to speak to someone call Leeds Domestic Violence Service 24/7 helpline 0113 246 0401.

For more information about the charity and to read its full annual report visit www.behind-closed-doors.org.uk