“It’s never OK” is the theme of a new campaign to tackle domestic abuse.

It will see young people aged from 16 to 24 living in Kirklees offered help to get free of abusive relationships and homes.

It is a major campaign backed by Kirklees Council, Pennine Domestic Violence Group, West Yorkshire Police, the NHS, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, Probation Services, Locala, Lifeline/On Trak, Community Partnerships, Kirklees College, Huddersfield of University and voluntary and community organisations.

They have come to together to raise awareness and educate young people aged 16-24 in a project which will run over the festive period, highlighting the fact that domestic abuse effects people from all communities, genders and people in same sex relationships. Film clips have been produced to show just how quickly issues can escalate.

Police have pledged rapid response to calls about domestic abuse and officers will wear body cameras to capture evidence at the scene.

Clr Viv Kendrick, Kirklees Cabinet member for health, wellbeing and communities, said: “This is a great example of multi-agency working. It demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together on important issues such as domestic abuse.

“We know that incidents of domestic abuse increase over the festive season and we are urging victims of domestic abuse to seek support.

“As most people look forward to the Christmas and New Year, relationships can hit problems during this time.

“Heavier drinking, money worries and unrealistic expectations can contribute to a seasonal rise in domestic violence related crimes and incidents.

“The police, the council’s domestic violence support team and Pennine Domestic Violence Group receives more calls in January than at any other time of year once the festivities are over. Victims need to know that abuse is not their fault and they do not have to put up with it.”

West Yorkshire’s Assistant Chief Constable Russ Foster said: “The Christmas season is a time when levels of offending rise and West Yorkshire Police will be working hard with partners such as Kirklees Council, to protect victims and take action against suspects.

“We will be pursuing all available methods to bring those who abuse their partners to justice including victimless prosecutions and the deployment of officers with body cameras to all domestic abuse incidents to make sure all evidence is captured.”

In addition to online promotion the campaign features some high profile outdoor advertising including adverts in bus and train stations on buses and in pubs and clubs across Kirklees. The message throughout the campaign is ‘it’s never OK’ and anyone who identifies themselves as being in a situation is urged to seek help.

There is a 24 hour confidential helpline 0800 052 7222 and Pennine Domestic Violence Group provides emergency safe accommodation for women with or without children.

Ring the police on 101, or in an emergency dial 999. Kirklees Council can be contacted on 01924 431491 (Mon to Fri 9am-5pm).