HUDDERSFIELD people are being urged to help pinpoint domestic violence.

The call coincides with a Government campaign offering friends and neighbours advice on how to deal with the devastating problem.

People in local communities across Kirklees are being focused on to help support victims of domestic violence after research showed they are often the first people to spot the early warning signs.

Repeated absence from work, school or social events, unexplained injuries or becoming withdrawn from family and friends are among the most common pointers.

But, in the past, many have feared getting involved or reporting incidents to local agencies.

Thelma Singleton, Kirklees’ domestic violence strategic coordinator, has welcomed the new initiative.

She said: “Domestic violence affects the victim and other family members such as children, but also has a ripple effect on the wider community.

“There has been a marked increase in the number of friends and neighbours calling us who are concerned.

“There is more awareness of domestic violence and the impact on children and people are less willing to ignore it.

“In the past, they were very reluctant to report it, because they did not want to interfere with family matters.

“But the calls we receive show that view is gradually changing.”

Domestic violence covers psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse between adults who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members.

Both men and women are affected, including those in same-sex relationships.

Victims suffer more repeat attacks than those of any other crime.

Ms Singleton added: “Neighbours and friends are most often prompted to ring us when they hear a lot of disturbance, furniture being thrown around and children crying.

“Or when children say things that clearly allude to violence between the parents.

“People can feel awkward or think it is not their business, but their support and action can prove to be a lifeline for the victim.”

Clr Andrew Marchington, who chairs the Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Partnership, said people were becoming less willing to ignore the problem.

He said: “Domestic violence affects people across all communities and will not be tolerated.

“Agencies are working together in Kirklees to tackle it, as part of a wider action plan to reduce violent crime.”

There is no simple way to spot whether a person is suffering domestic violence, but a pattern may start to emerge.

The Kirklees project comes hard on the heels of a scheme in Calderdale two months ago.

Police in Calderdale were one of 10 areas to be given extra resources to tackle domestic abuse.

They joined a national domestic abuse campaign which has been funded by the Home Office.

The purpose of the Domestic Violence Enforcement Campaign (DVEC) was to provide support for victims of domestic abuse .

Police in Calderdale made sure that there was additional frontline policing, more specialist advice for officers at scenes of domestic abuse, dedicated domestic abuse response vehicles and the use of body-worn video cameras by officers to capture evidence.

If you think a friend is being abused, experts advise the following guidelines:

l Tell them why you are concerned and ask if they want to talk about it.

l Don’t give up on them if they don’t want to discuss it. A key factor in domestic abuse is that the perpetrator isolates the victim from family and friends so they can get away with the abuse.

l Always prioritise your safety and that of the victim. The abuser won’t appreciate you getting involved. Agree a code word or action where the victim is able to let you know if they are in immediate danger and when you should call the police.

l For more information about emotional and practical support available call 999 in an emergency or West Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060606.

People can also contact Kirklees Safer Stronger Communities Service’s Domestic Violence Team on 01484 223221 or 416849 or Pennine Domestic Violence Group (Free-phone 24-hours): 0800 052 7222.