Police in Bradford say domestic violence is treated very seriously, with specialist officers supporting victims and partner agencies sharing information.

The number of recorded domestic violence incidents in the Bradford district in the year to the end of April was 9,991, an increase of nearly 800 on the previous year. But officers believe that is partly because victims feel more confident to report incidents.

Forces nationally have come under fire for the way they handle cases of domestic violence, following the death of Maria Stubbings, of Essex.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission criticised Essex Police for failing to protect Mrs Stubbings. She was strangled with a dog lead by her boyfriend Marc Chivers, who had already killed a previous girlfriend.

Domestic violence charity Refuge has backed calls for a public inquiry.

But Detective Chief Inspector Darren Minton, in charge of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, said: “Domestic violence is treated very seriously in Bradford, and across the whole of West Yorkshire. Our message to victims is that they do not have to tolerate abuse, at any level, and there are many agencies to offer help.”

Det Chief Insp Minton said the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, like four similar units across the force, has specially trained officers who can provide support and practical assistance to victims of domestic abuse.

Councillor Imran Hussain, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We take domestic violence very seriously and invest over £1.2 million into services across the Bradford district. Bradford has the highest level of service provision in England and we have recently increased capacity.”

Last year, two men were jailed for life for domestic murders in the Bradford district.

Khurram Bhatti, 32, stabbed his young wife Fozia Ahmed and strangled her with a computer cable, at their home in Manor Drive, Cottingley, Bingley. At the time he was on bail accused of assaulting her. Santosh Kumar murdered girlfriend Samantha Warren in a jealous rage in an assault on her at her home in Libbey Street, Manningham, Bradford.

Anyone who wants to speak to Police about domestic violence should call the 101 non-emergency number.