Bradford’s crime-fighting agencies are today beginning a high-profile crackdown on gender violence this week.

Attacks most commonly involve men harming women and include sexual assault, rape, serious injury and murder.

Forty-five per cent of women and a quarter of men have experienced at least one incident of inter-personal violence in their lifetimes, according to UK studies.

Such attacks involve family members and partners, as well as violence in communities.

On average, two women a week are killed by a male partner or former partner – accounting for approximately one-third of all female homicide victims.

During the district-wide campaign – called 16 Days of Action Against Gender Violence – Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and partner agencies will highlight the work being done to protect high-risk victims to encourage victims to seek help.

Police will target offenders using body cameras which record high-quality video and can be used to support evidence in court.

A new policy, the Bradford Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, will also be signed at City Hall by Council and police representatives today to mark the International Day Against Violence Against Women.

Its strategy explains how gender violence will be tackled through education, raising awareness, support and protection for victims, by bring perpetrators to justice and by reducing re-offending.

According to most recent figures, which cover April to October this year, recorded domestic abuse crime is down 35 per cent in the Airedale and North Bradford area but still needs to be tackled, say the partners.

Councillor Imran Hussain, the Council’s deputy leader and executive member for community safety, said: “Gender violence is an international problem and there is no evidence to suggest it is any worse in Bradford. However, it remains an important priority for the Bradford District Safer Communities Partnership.

“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.”

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, chairman 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.”

Witnesses to or sufferers of any form of violence should call West Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060 606 or 999 in an emergency, or the Staying Put helpline on (01274) 667104.