Those among us who have never suffered domestic violence may wonder why victims are often reluctant to report the crime. Or why many suffer for so long before they finally do.

But it takes courage to bring out the issue from within the confines of the home.

The idea of divulging the information to another person, the uncertainty of what might happen, and fear that it may make matters worse, are among the concerns that often make victims reluctant to come forward.

National studies have estimated that less than half of all incidents of domestic violence are reported to the police. One way of addressing this is through increased awareness of services that can help victims once they take that potentially life-changing step.

In Bradford, help has always been available through a number of agencies, including the police, who addressed the issue from specialist sections in two divisions – Bradford South, and Airedale and North Bradford.

Now the force has created a special, larger city-based unit with improved resources to target domestic violence and reinforce the message to victims – the majority of whom are women – that help is only a phone call away.

“We have pooled resources and skills for a new, strengthened unit,” says Inspector Karen Ferris, who heads the newly-created Bradford District Safeguarding Unit. “It will greatly benefit those using the service and our partners.”

In the past, cases could develop into cross-boundary work, with the involvement of officers from separate divisions. Now it can be dealt with under one roof.

“It will provide better victim care, with the same officer supporting the victim right through, up to and including the court case if there is one. We have increased flexibility and can provide continuous victim care.”

Domestic violence is a growing area of work for Bradford police. Last year there were 8,558 incidents reported to police across the Bradford district, covering verbal arguments, breach of peace and other crimes.

High-impact campaigns targeting domestic violence have in the past included the effects of the World Cup and other highly-emotive events that can spark a rise in incidents.

“Women should have more confidence in coming forward and know that we treat domestic violence seriously,” says Insp Ferris.

Every minute in the UK, the police receive a call from the public for assistance in an incident of domestic violence, leading to an estimated 1,300 calls a day and more than 570,000 annually. Of these, 89 per cent are from women being assaulted by men.

In Bradford, around 25 calls are made each day to the police about the issue, but the number can rise to more than 40.

At least one-in-four women experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

“Some people think it just involves being hit, but there is a lot more to it – verbal abuse, financial abuse – whereby the female has no access to any money – and emotional abuse,” says Insp Ferris.

“Nationally, it is thought that, for each abused woman, around 34 incidents take place before they report the abuse.

“We encourage women to ring straight away, even if they just want advice. We are guided by the victim. There are a lot of misconceptions, including the belief that we will take away their children.”

Women who are unable to meet with an officer at home can be seen at a place of their choice.”

Recent innovations to help in cases of domestic violence includes use of audio and visual footage from a Council-funded VEEcam – a body-worn camera, the footage from which can in some cases be used as evidence.

Insp Ferris stresses the importance of partnership work, with agencies including Staying Put and Domestic Violence Services (Keighley).

The 24-strong unit – which also tackles honour-based violence, forced marriages, missing people and issues surrounding vulnerable adults – has a specially-created suite for victims and a video interview suite for children and vulnerable adults who give a verbal rather than a written statement.

Being on one site means that daily meetings and briefings can be held more easily. Once a perpetrator has been removed, victims can go through a very emotional time. “Along with our partners, we are here to help with that too,” adds Insp Ferris.

- To contact the Safeguarding Unit, ring 0845 6060606.