A groundbreaking multi-agency Women’s Safety Unit in West Yorkshire, based

A groundbreaking multi-agency Women’s Safety Unit in West Yorkshire, based on a partnership between the county’s Combined Authority, Violence Reduction Partnership and West Yorkshire Police, has cut rape investigation times by 40%, reduced the number of cases lost as a result of victim disengagement, and is “turning the tide on trust and confidence” with a satisfaction rate of more than 85% for domestic abuse victims with policing, as Policing Insight’s Sarah Gibbons reports.

The continued investment of the unit represents a significant commitment to driving long‐term and meaningful change and improving our services for women and girls across our communities. - Supt James Kitchen, West Yorkshire Police

We needed to roll out the Operation Soteria principles and listen to victim voices on the journey to change policy, practice and processes. We reacted in a quick fashion and are using what victim services told us to bring it to life – what’s suggested by the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection. - Supt James Kitchen, West Yorkshire Police

The unit sits across all the authorities so they write all strategies in the same way and are not competing for funds. There needs to be one consistent voice and the unit brings all parts together rather than everyone going off and doing work individually. - Supt James Kitchen, West Yorkshire Police

People believe us and stick with us longer. I talk to a lot of victim survivors and it is really rare they criticise the way the police deal with them. There is more than 85% satisfaction for domestic abuse victims with policing. - Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing & Crime, West Yorkshire

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West Yorkshire Combined Authority