IT is a crime predominantly committed behind closed doors. Domestic violence isn't as much of a taboo as it once was, largely because of the many charities and organisations which are working to raise the profile of the devastating crime.

The support and information available to victims is aimed at encouraging more to come forward and seek justice, and it appears to be making an impact.

According to figures for 2014-15 from the Crown Prosecution Service, there have been increases in the number of successful prosecutions for sexual offences, child sex abuse and domestic violence cases, and honour-based violence, while more people were charged with rape than ever before.

Alison Saunders, Director of Public Prosecutions, said the report was "really good news for the victims of these dreadful crimes" and added it was testament "to the hard work we (the CPS) have done recently to encourage victims to come forward, to work better with the police and ensure specially trained prosecutors bring the right cases to court."

In total, 107,104 cases concerning violence against women and girls were prosecuted during the timeframe, a rise of 18.3 per cent on the previous year.

The number of those convicted rose to its highest level at 78,773 - up 16.9 per cent on the previous year, while the CPS said it was also investigating more historic allegations following the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal.

The CPS report showed there were the highest ever conviction volumes of domestic abuse (68,601), rape (2,581), sexual offences (7,591), honour-based violence (129) and child abuse (7,469) with more than 10,000 additional defendants convicted for domestic abuse.

There was a 15 per cent rise in stalking and harassment prosecutions to more than12,000 and of these, 1,103 prosecutions began under the new stalking offences.

Yasmin Khan, director of Staying Put, a charity set up in Bradford in 2001 which helps 1,200 women and children every year throughout the city and district who have experienced domestic abuse to remain safely in their homes, welcomes the figures.

Yasmin talks about the positive work in Bradford, the wrap-around services and partnership with other agencies and organisations which are contributing to the increase in prosecutions.

Staying Put's ethos is to work to end violence against women and children which it is hoping to achieve through its partnership with Bradford's strategic Domestic Abuse Partnership (DAP) and the operational Bradford Violence Against Women's Forum (BVAWF).

"Our 'high risk team' have a meeting every morning with the police to go through some of the cases so they can talk about the risk and manage that really quickly," explains Yasmin.

"What is happening up and down the country is much more proactive partnership work and I guess the proof is in the pudding because we have had really good outcomes."

Yasmin explains victims are being believed and says that is also having a positive effect on the prosecutions. "When somebody believes you when you talk about the trauma you are likely to continue with that case."

Victimless prosecutions have also had an impact - according to Yasmin. She explains if a victim doesn't want to take the case forward but there is sufficient evidence, it can still be taken to court but taken out of the victim's hands.

"I think victims are being supported and they are coming forward and I guess the Criminal Justice Service have improved their responses and survivors are being heard."

A positive campaign to improve the attrition rate has also been of benefit, according to Yasmin. "When somebody gets to court and it is being adjourned again and again you can get higher attrition rates but they are trying to improve this, making sure they are being heard the first time so not prolonging the time they spend in the system.

"And services like ours are really, really proactive and we work tirelessly to influence other partners to make sure victims voices are at the heart of everything," adds Yasmin.

To coincide with Safeguarding Week, which runs from October 19 to 23, Staying Put is hosting a drop-in information session on October 21 from 6pm to 9pm at Kala Sangham, St Peter's House, Bradford.

This year's Safeguarding Week focuses on the theme of 'It's Everybody Business' and will also include workshops, films, lectures and training opportunities to promote safeguarding awareness across the Bradford district.