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Domestic Abuse

Click here to report domestic abuse online

 

Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson - YouTube Video

Please note, when this video was originally recorded Deputy Chief Constable Hankinson was Assistant Chief Constable.

 

Who can help?

Reporting to West Yorkshire Police

We have specially trained officers in our district Safeguarding Units who can provide support and practical assistance to those who suffer domestic abuse, for example in making your home safer. We work in partnership with a wide variety of statutory and voluntary agencies who can also provide help and support and with your permission we will put them in touch with you.

If you need to contact the police in an emergency but aren’t able to speak to the operator, click here for information about silent 999 calls.

 

Safe Spaces

If you are experiencing domestic abuse you can visit a ‘safe space’ where someone can provide you with information and support. Click here for more information and to find your nearest Safe Space.

 

24 Hour Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247 / National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Victim Support - Victim Support West Yorkshire

Gov.uk - Domestic Abuse: How to get help

 

What is domestic abuse?

West Yorkshire Police use the following definition of domestic abuse:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: 

  • Psychological; 
  • Physical; 
  • Sexual; 
  • Financial; 
  • Emotional; and/or 
  • Economical.

 

Controlling behaviour is:

A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them for sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

 

Coercive behaviour is:

An act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish or frighten their victim.

Family members are defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew or first cousin, whether directly related, in-laws or step-family. 

Domestic abuse occurs mostly towards women from men but men can also be victims. It can occur in any relationship regardless of age, sex, class, race or disability.

If you are in a same sex relationship and suffering domestic abuse, please click here for more information.

 

What to do if you are a victim

Domestic abuse will not be tolerated by West Yorkshire Police. We treat all reports seriously and we will do whatever we can to help prevent further incidents occurring. We always encourage those who suffer domestic abuse to report incidents to us.

We have a zero-tolerance policy in respect of domestic abuse; we will arrest anyone who is alleged to have committed a criminal offence and will prosecute wherever possible and appropriate.

 

Who can help?

We have specially trained officers in our district Safeguarding Units who can provide support and practical assistance to those who suffer domestic abuse, for example in making your home safer. We work in partnership with a wide variety of statutory and voluntary agencies who can also provide help and support and with your permission we will put them in touch with you.

 

Reporting to West Yorkshire Police

 

National Agencies

There are also several other National Agencies who you can call for help or support:

  • 24 hour National Domestic Abuse helpline
    0808 2000 247
     
  • National helpline for perpetrators wanting to change
    0808 8024040
    www.respectphoneline.org.uk
     
  • Men’s Advice Line - support for abused men.
    0808 801 0327
    www.mensadviceline.org.uk.
     
  • ManKind Initiative - specialist independent charity supporting male victims of abuse 
    01823 334244
    www.mankind.org.uk

 

Other Local Contacts

Bradford

Calderdale

  • Calderdale Council
    www.calderdale.gov.uk
     
  • Calderdale Women Centre
    01422 323339
    www.womencentre.org.uk
     
  • Doorways – for help with housing
    01422 392460
     
  • The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
    0330 223 3617

Kirklees

  • Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership
    0800 052 7222 (24-hour helpline)

Leeds

Wakefield

  • Wakefield Council
    www.wakefield.gov.uk
     
  • Turning Point
    01924 234 860
    Email [email protected]
     
  • Safer Relationship Men’s helpline
    07515 573842 (please leave a message)
     
  • Wakefield District Domestic Abuse Service
    0800 915 1561
     
  • Wakefield Safeguarding Adults Board
     
  • The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
    0330 223 3617


External Links

 

Kate's Story

Accessible Domestic Abuse Resources

Information on Domestic Abuse in British Sign Language and Easy Read formats can be found via the following links:

BSL

Easy Read

Domestic abuse Easy Read1.12 MB

 

 

Domestic Abuse - Online Safety Guides

Domestic abuse - online safety guide (PDF)5.68 MB
Domestic abuse - online safety guide "bitesized" version (PDF)621.69 KB

 

Bright Sky App

Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

The app is also available to use in Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.

To download the Android app, click here.

To download the iPhone app, click here.

 

Page last updated March 2023.

More in this section

Controlling Behaviour
Advice for Offenders
Third Party Reporting
Elder Abuse
Clare's Law
Domestic Abuse Affects Children