Survivor story underlines importance of Serious Violence Strategy

A domestic abuse survivor from West Yorkshire says the support she received saved her life.

She’s spoken out to help Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, turn the tide on serious violence saying, “No-one should ever have to live in fear of another human being.”

Without the support of domestic abuse services, she said “I would not be here today, as the emotional abuse I suffered nearly drove me to end my own life.”

Her comments come as Mayor Brabin continues in her series of community events to develop a Serious Violence Strategy for the region, with a specific focus on tackling violence against women and girls.

Leaders from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector will gather at Bradford Arts Centre on Wednesday 26 November to share their views, experiences, ideas, and solutions.

Coinciding with the start of 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, it will include insights and lived experience from organisations supporting women.

The survivor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said:

“Collaborations between police, local authorities, health services, and community organisations are essential for the early intervention against abuse and serious crime against men, women, and children. We need to speak out to help others who feel lost and in desperate need of support. Knowing who to turn to and which organisations to contact is an integral part of taking those first steps to healing and living free from abuse.”

Across England and Wales, an estimated 2.3 million people experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024.

In West Yorkshire alone, police recorded more than 78,000 domestic incidents over the past year. 

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: 

“Serious violence devastates lives and communities. We know that on average one woman is killed by a man every three days in the UK, which is why work to tackle violence against women and girls is so urgent. We’ve already made great strides, launching our unique Women’s Safety Unit, creating support services and funding grassroots organisations, but there is still much more we have to do. We want people to have their say to help us shape a strategy that reflects real experiences and delivers real change.”