WEST Yorkshire Police released figures for the first six months following the launch of their Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.

The strategy was launched in December 2021 to enable a safe environment and to tackle violence and abuse against women and girls.

As a force, three areas of focus have been working on building trust and confidence in policing, pursuit of perpetrators and creating safer spaces.

A recent comparison of the figures from January to June 2021 and January to June 2022 has shown a great improvement in confidence and trust within policing in West Yorkshire.

The results are as follows: 102% increase in the use of Domestic Violence Protection Notices, 109% increase in the use of Domestic Violence Protection Orders, 32% increase in Claire’s Law applications, 23% increase in the amount rape charges, 12% increase in the amount of other sexual offence charges.

Detective Superintendent Lee Berry, VAWG lead for West Yorkshire Police, said: “I am pleased with how the figures compare with those in 2021 and that our efforts in prioritising the safety of women and girls is having a direct impact on those who need it.

“Our police officers and staff work extremely hard day-to-day to put a stop to offences including abuse, harassment and violence against women and girls and to look after and protect our victims.”