Singer’s book leads to rise in calls for city domestic violence charity
A DOMESTIC violence charity in Leeds has reported a 20 per cent increase in calls to its helplines after well-known figure from the city, Spice Girl Mel B, released a book about her own experiences.
The singer, who grew up in the Kirkstall area of Leeds as Melanie Brown, visited a Women’s Aid refuge in the city to meet women who had fled domestic violence prior to the release of Brutally
Honest last month.
Nik Peasgood, chief executive officer of Leeds Women’s Aid, said it is rare to get such a direct link between an event and increase in women coming forward for help.
She said: “The week after there was a 20 per cent increase in helpline calls. That is quite significant. It dropped the week after but the week after went up again. That is when she did press interviews and then TV and national press so it makes sense that it peaked.
“We had one woman who said she had seen Melanie in the press talking about her experiences and it gave her the courage to ring and speak about it after years of controlling behaviour. Another woman had gone to her book signing, spoken to Mel and that prompted her to call as well.”
The effect that the global superstar’s visit to Leeds had is still being felt – as one woman who told Mel B things she hadn’t spoken about before is continuing to open up to specialist staff.
Ms Peasgood added: “You don’t often get such direct links but we have absolute examples of people saying they would not have come forward had this not happened.
“That is so powerful and if we can help just one person then we have done good.”
An independent charity formed in 1972, Leeds Women’s Aid provides services to women and children affected by domestic abuse.
It also helps women and families who are victims and survivors of domestic, sexual and honour-based violence, forced marriage, trafficking, stalking and harassment.
The charity’s 24-hour helpline can be contacted via 0113 246 0401.