About the Programme
About the LEVEL Programme
LEVEL is a community-informed 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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick 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
Brunswick
Brunswick 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
New Community Engagement Worker
We’re pleased to welcome Helen, LEVEL’s new Community Engagement Worker for Calderdale and Kirklees. Helen will work with local communities and professionals to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ domestic abuse and help improve access to specialist support. Here, Helen shares...
Pride 2026 Highlights
Pride events across Calderdale and Kirklees have provided an important opportunity to raise awareness of LEVEL and talk openly about LGBTQ+ relationships, domestic abuse and the support available. Being visible at Pride matters. Domestic abuse can affect anyone, but...
Holmfirth and Happy Valley Pride
The LEVEL team will continue to be out and about at Pride events across Calderdale and Kirklees this July, raising awareness of the programme and the support available around domestic abuse and harm within LGBTQ+ relationships. On Wednesday 22 July, LEVEL will be at...
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