A DEDICATED unit described as "the first of its kind" has been established with the aim of tackling violence against women and girls across West Yorkshire.

Speaking at an event to mark International Women's Day today, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and her Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe, unveiled the region's new Women's Safety Unit.

A national first, the dedicated unit brings together members from West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the county's Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) and West Yorkshire Police.

Launching as a 12-month pilot, the unit will support the delivery of the Mayor's Safety of Women and Girls Strategy, which sets out a long-term plan to bring about change, focusing on themes spanning education, prevention and tackling inappropriate behaviours.

Mayor Brabin said: "Here in West Yorkshire, we're leading the way in tackling violence against women and girls.

"I'm delighted to announce the establishment of our Women's Safety Unit, a ground-breaking collaboration of experts committed to long-term change.

"I want every woman and girl in our region to know that we're here for you, we're fighting your corner and we will not stop until each and every one of you feel safe."

Since its creation in November 2022, Ms Brabin said her Safety of Women and Girls Strategy had achieved a number of milestones, including the launch of the #JustDont campaign, which aims to put a stop to inappropriate male behaviour towards women and girls, and the creation of national guidance outlining how to make parks and green spaces safer for females.

The Women's Safety Unit aims to build on these achievements and focus on improving outcomes for victims across West Yorkshire.

Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry is West Yorkshire's VRP director and head of the Women's Safety Unit.

He said: "The safety of women and girls is a golden thread that runs through every element of our work to tackle serious violent crime across West Yorkshire.

"The creation of this dedicated unit will only enhance our capabilities, ensuring a truly co-ordinated response across communities.

"We are absolutely committed to changing the attitudes and behaviours of those men and boys who cause harm and the experiences of women and girls. 

"This latest announcement is another clear statement of our intent."

Detective Superintendent Vanessa Rolfe, of West Yorkshire Police, added: "West Yorkshire Police is committed to achieving an environment where women and girls are safe, and perpetrators are rightly brought to justice."