About the Programme
About the LEVEL Programme
LEVEL is a community-informed trial programme designed to address domestic abuse within LGBTQ+ relationships – a serious issue often ignored by mainstream services. It is being delivered across Calderdale and Kirklees through a partnership between The Brunswick Centre and WomenCentre, with development support from The Drive Partnership.
LEVEL offers a one-to-one behaviour change programme, alongside dedicated support for current and former partners affected by harm.
It is a trauma-informed, identity-aware approach that reflects the diversity of LGBTQ+ lives – focussing on:
- Foundations of self-awareness and the desire to change
- Identity, histories, trauma and accountability
- Applying learning to specific harms and new strategies
- Moving forward
Alongside this, tailored support is also available for those who have been harmed – including current and former partners.
Partnership Approach
LEVEL is co-delivered by trained staff at The Brunswick Centre and WomenCentre. Teams work together across Calderdale and Kirklees, supported by shared systems and infrastructure. The programme combines professional expertise with lived experience and community insight to ensure it is inclusive, trauma-informed, and effective.
Why the Name “LEVEL”?
The name reflects the programme’s core values: equity, justice, and change. LEVEL is about balancing the scales – recognising harm, supporting growth, and helping build healthier, safer relationships in LGBTQ+ communities.
What is domestic abuse
LEVEL recognises that abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships can take many forms.
It might involve control, manipulation, threats, or intimidation. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial.
Harm can occur in all kinds of relationships – with a partner, ex-partner, casual partner, family member, or someone you live with or have lived with.
It can happen at any stage in a relationship. There’s no shame in seeking support. You are not alone – and you deserve to feel safe.
For more information on domestic abuse, please visit SafeLives
Why LEVEL Matters
Most domestic abuse services are built around heterosexual, cisgender experiences – leaving many LGBTQ+ people without safe, inclusive support. LEVEL challenges this by:
- Recognising the diverse and unique realities of LGBTQ+ communities.
- Addressing how identity, marginalisation and trauma intersect with abusive behaviours.
- Creating safer, more accountable pathways for change and healing.
This programme responds to a clear gap in existing support structures. By focusing on those who have caused harm, LEVEL seeks to reduce risk to others, support long-term change, and improve outcomes for everyone involved.
Level Partners
The Brunswick Centre
The Brunswick Centre offers a suite of services and projects to various communities in Calderdale and Kirklees.
WomenCentre
WomenCentre provides holistic, one-stop services at their centres in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Halifax and in the community.
A National Commitment to Systems Change
LEVEL is one of several innovative projects supported through the Drive Partnership’s National Systems Change initiative, which works to reform how domestic abuse is addressed across the UK. These pilot projects focus on those who are often excluded from support – aiming to learn, evolve, and create better systems.
Latest News & Events
Calderdale College session on LGBTQ+ identity and domestic abuse
LEVEL recently delivered a session at Calderdale College, supporting students to explore LGBTQ+ identity, domestic abuse and what safe, supportive behaviour can look like. The session covered awareness of domestic abuse, different LGBTQ+ identities, types of abuse,...
Well Proud Conference Video Highlights
Video highlights from the Well Proud Conference are now available to watch below, including a short highlights film and a longer version with more from the day. The conference brought together professionals, community organisations and local partners to explore LGBTQ+...
Well Proud Conference Highlights the Importance of Safer Relationships in LGBTQ+ Communities
The Well Proud Conference brought together organisations, practitioners and community groups from across Calderdale and Kirklees to explore how we can strengthen support for LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing. Held in Brighouse, the event created space for open and practical...
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