Recorded incidents of domestic abuse have risen by more than a fifth in a single year across Kirklees, the Examiner can reveal.
But police and other bodies have vowed to do even more to halt the crimes.
Acting Det Chief Insp Jim Griffiths, of Kirklees CID said there had been 2,969 incidents during the period April/September 2014 compared with 3,624 in the same period this year – a jump of 22.1 per cent.
He said: “The figures range from from verbal disputes to assaults. The verbal incidents which are reported account for 39.7 per cent of incidents that we attend.
“We also deal with violent crime, criminal damage and public order type incidents.
“There have definitely been similar increases across West Yorkshire but I believe the rise is definitely to do with our recording procedures and us recognising that even if someone has had a verbal dispute the victim might still need the support of police or other agencies and may be masking more serious abuse.”
He added that the precise definition of domestic abuse changed last year incorporating a wider aspect of the problem by now including coercive control.
And he said the rise of cyber-related domestic abuse crimes was also a factor with people being more accessible to one another through social media.
“There’s a lot more teen violence on parents.
“And the criminal justice system is better set up now to understand the challenges of domestic abuse investigations.
“We work closely with statutory partners and local agencies who support victims.”
The issue was highlighted in Huddersfield when police and other agencies held an exhibition in the town centre, offering help and advice.
They teamed up with the Pennine Domestic Violence Group to chat to people and hand out leaflets.
Police in Calderdale and Calderdale Council are also supporting the national 16 days of action around domestic abuse by pledging their support and resources to victims in the district.
Launched on White Ribbon Day, which is inspired by the White Ribbon Pledge, with a UK base in Calderdale, the 16 days of action are to remind society of the impact of domestic abuse, and highlights the support that is available to those who suffer or witnesses domestic abuse.
