Campaign aims to halt violence against women and help victims

The Bradford Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy sets out how the local authority and various agencies including the police will prevent domestic violence through education and awareness raising; protect and support victims; bring perpetrators to justice and reduce reoffending.

Between August 2009 and July 2010 West Yorkshire Police recorded 9,332 incidents of domestic violence.

But research indicates that on average women experience 35 incidents of domestic violence before reporting it to the police, so the total figure is much higher.

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, chair of the Bradford District Safer Communities Strategy Group, said "We have a number of specially-trained units in Bradford South Division including one set up to specifically deal with domestic violence.

"Sadly, there are people living in our community who are suffering in silence. We know that many of them are at risk of serious injury and death. We have a clear message for anyone who is experiencing domestic violence: you don't need to suffer this any longer, come forward and seek help."

Studies have shown that 45 per cent of women and 26 per cent of men in the UK have experienced at least one incident of inter-personal violence in their lifetimes, and 89 per cent of victims who had experienced more than four incidents were women.

On average two women a week are killed by a male partner or former partner.

The launch of the blueprint in Bradford on International Day Against Violence Against Women coincides with the start of 16 days of international campaigning to end gender violence.

During 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence, Bradford Council, police and various agencies will raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward for help, highlighting work to protect high-risk victims and cracking down on offenders using the latest technology.

Police will be undertaking operations against perpetrators using high technology body cameras which record high-quality video that can be used to support evidence in court.

Specialist domestic violence and rape support agencies will run awareness-raising sessions and victims are set to break their silence and speak out about their experiences in the hope that people will come forward for help.

Coun Imran Hussain, Bradford Council's deputy leader and executive member for community safety, said: "Gender violence has deep and wide-ranging impacts on individuals, families and communities, and Bradford has some of the best services in the country.

"Bradford Council has worked very closely with our partners in the police, NHS and the voluntary sector to produce this comprehensive new strategy designed to reduce harm to women and girls.

"Over the next couple of weeks, we will be raising awareness of this important issue and encouraging victims to come forward for help from our excellent range of services."

Elsewhere in West Yorkshire, Calderdale Domestic Abuse Partnership, is running events to raise awareness of domestic abuse including a networking event at NHS Calderdale, Dean Clough, tomorrow to highlight how health services support victims including pregnant women.

Thirty per cent of domestic abuse cases start during pregnancy.

June Thomas, domestic abuse specialist midwife for NHS Calderdale, said: "National figures show that pregnant women are more likely to experience domestic abuse, which is why support from midwifery services is so important.

"The role of the specialist midwife is to make sure women get the support they need to make informed choices about changing their situation."