Leeds Rhinos legends and Inspire North launch domestic abuse campaign

As reports of domestic abuse surge during lockdown, Leeds Rhinos legends Kevin Sinfield MBE and Jamie Jones-Buchanan have thrown their weight behind a social media campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

The campaign, launched today (May 12) is a partnership between the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Inspire North, a charity which provides support for people affected by domestic abuse and mental health issues across the North of England.

A report published by the Home Office Affairs Committee on Monday 27 April revealed that calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline, increased by 49% in the week prior to 15 April.

Former Great Britain, England and Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield is vice-president of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and one of the spearheads of the #noexcuseforabuse campaign.

He encouraged people who suspected their neighbours may be being abused to call the police. He said:

Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a former Great Britain, England and Leeds Rhinos professional RL player, is a trustee of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation and is also at the forefront of the #noexcuseforabuse campaign. He said:

The campaign encourages people to show their support by posting videos and photos of themselves on social media holding a piece of paper with the hashtag #noexcuseforabuse, and to then tag two people to pass the message on.

Bob Bowman QPM, Chief Operating Officer of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, is a former Leeds based police officer. He said:

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Mark Burns-Williamson OBE is also backing the campaign. He said: