A SERIES of events is taking place across the region as part of Safeguarding Week.

The initiative, which begins on Monday (June 25), is being backed by West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson.

And workshops and other events are being staged, with partner organisations, to raise awareness.

Issues covered range from domestic abuse, mental health and forced marriage to protecting children and victims of human trafficking.

Representatives of organisations involved will be speaking out on the topic via social media, explaining what safeguarding means to them.

Also, a website – funded by the PCC – containing a wealth of free healthy relationships resources for schools, is going live.

It has been developed by Calderdale Council, with schools and partners.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “Safeguarding remains ‘everyone’s business’ and I am delighted to be supporting partners in raising awareness, whether that is a public consultation event, online resources or training for professionals around protecting our most vulnerable.

“I’m attending various safeguarding events and highlighting the crucial role we all play in keeping people safe and feeling safe.

“Schools also have a critical role in protecting children and I am pleased to be able to fund the healthy relationships website, which will pull all the resources available to schools into one place.

“In addition, Victim Support is now taking referrals for those aged 18 and under so I would urge any victims of crime or witnesses to access support at victimsupport.org.uk.”

He encouraged the public to get involved in the campaign.

“People can contact their local authority to see what is on offer in their area for them to get support, learn about protecting themselves and others and above all know that services are there for them when they need them,” added Mr Burns-Williamson.

His plea is echoed by West Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson.

“Safeguarding the public is at the heart of everything we do as the police,” she said.

“Our officers and staff deal with people on a daily basis who are at their most vulnerable and we work closely with local authorities, organisations and charities to support victims and other people affected by crime.

“The activities during Safeguarding Week are just a snapshot of the partnership work that goes on day in, day out to safeguard vulnerable adults and children in the region.

“The events offer people a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the part they can play in protecting themselves and others by raising awareness and reporting any concerns they may have.”

Backing for the initiative is also being given across the county border.

North Yorkshire Police, the PCC, safeguarding boards and other organisations are working together on a number of events.

Activities include drop-in sessions and information displays.

Full details can be found at northyorks.gov.uk/sgweek2018.

Detective Superintendent Allan Harder, head of safeguarding at North Yorkshire Police, said: “Keeping children and adults safe from harm remains a priority for us.

“There are many vulnerable people in our communities, people of all ages and from different backgrounds.

“This week is important to help raise awareness of the positive work being done by many agencies across the county in order to support those who need us the most.

“It is also an opportune time to educate communities about issues such as domestic abuse, harassment and stalking, child neglect and child abuse, and point them in the direction of how and where to report concerns.

“We want everyone to be able to recognise the different behaviours of offenders and victims and to be confident to report abuse and seek the necessary help and support.”

County Councillor Michael Harrison, executive member for adult social care and health integration, said abuse could take many different forms and the week would help raise awareness.

“Many partners get involved and work in the community to increase awareness and provide information,” he added.