Tweetathon will highlight the problem of domestic violence

MODEL RELEASED. Domestic violence. Silhouette of a woman protecting herself from a blow from her partner by holding her arms in front of her face.

West Yorkshire Police will run the event on Friday from noon, as part of Domestic Abuse Week.

Officers are called to an average of 100 domestic abuse reports every day, and the tweetathon is one of a number of events taking place throughout the week, which aim to raise awareness of the support available to both victims and offenders.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd, said: “Domestic abuse is not a crime that is confined to any particular neighbourhood or group; it can and does affect people from any background. The abuse is often physical but it can also be controlling or coercive behaviour designed to make a victim feel subordinate or frightened. Physical and other abuse can often be triggered by the uncontrolled use of alcohol.

“Local officers deal with thousands of domestic-related incidents each year. But the work of police officers alone can never be sufficient in preventing this dreadful abuse.

“We know that on average, a victim suffers abuse on 35 occasions before calling the police. I would encourage victims to step forward and seek our support and the support of partners as soon as they can. No one deserves to suffer abuse at the hands of another; nor should anyone be deprived of a personal sense of security in their own home.

“Anyone that has seen or knows about any domestic abuse has a part to play. Our desire is that any concerns are reported and that victims are encouraged to come forward.”

The tweetathon will give a snapshot of calls received by West Yorkshire Police related to domestic abuse over a 24 hour period. Information and advice on support available for those affected by domestic abuse will also be tweeted throughout the week using the hashtag #InFocus.

Anyone with concerns for a family member, friend or colleague is encouraged to call the police. Local police officers can be contacted by calling 101 or in the case of emergencies by calling 999.

Alternatively, if you do not want to speak to the police directly, the National Domestic Violence Helpline, which is run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge, can be contacted 24 hours a day on 0808 8024040.

Details of local services that can help can be found at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/domesticviolence