Domestic violence: 53 reports each day in Leeds

That is the message to victims of domestic violence and abuse as alarming new figures reveal the extent of the issue in Leeds. Nearly 20,000 such incidents were reported to the police in the 12 months up to September this year with officers receiving 53 calls on average every day, according to a new report.

And with a “spike” in violent or abusive behaviour expected over the seasonal period – a time when victims often try to “hold it together” for their children – Yorkshire Evening Post readers are urged to reach out to those who 
may need help.

Louise Hackett, head of safeguarding at Safer Leeds, said: “I would always have the conversation, ‘Is there something happening at home?’ It’s always better to run the risk of offending someone than leaving someone in a dangerous situation.”