A PIONEERING specialist unit set up to improve safety for women and girls is to continue its work.

Investment has been secured to ensure the Women's Safety Unit, an initiative led by West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin, will operate for another 12 months.

The unit, the first of its kind nationally, was launched as a pilot earlier this year.

It comprises West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the region's Violence Reduction Partnership and West Yorkshire Police.

Ms Brabin says the new approach is "starting to pay off".

Data shows that the number of offenders brought to justice for rape and serious sexual offences in West Yorkshire increased by 28.2 per cent during a seven-month period this year, compared to 2023.

Initiatives have included a week of action in September, when there were more than 180 arrests for offences related to violence against women and girls, and over 100 visits were made to licensed premises to check on responses to women’s safety.

There has also been increased use of civil orders to protect victims and survivors.

Work has been carried out by independent advisory groups and scrutiny panels.

And last month there was a Reclaim the Night event, which included speeches, information stalls and a walk aimed at spotlighting the issue of safety for women and girls.

Ms Brabin says: "Every little girl growing up in West Yorkshire deserves to live a life free from harassment and harm.

"That's why I've made it my priority to tackle violence against women and girls, and it's great to see our innovative approach starting to pay off.

"By taking action, empowering victims and working with partners, such as West Yorkshire Police, we've seen more people brought to justice.

"But we mustn't rest on our laurels. Our Women's Safety Unit will continue its important work for another year to help create the long-term change that's so desperately needed."

The Women's Safety Unit is headed up by Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry, director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership.

He says: "Ensuring the safety of women and girls across West Yorkshire cannot be realised in isolation. It has to be a collective approach.

"The announcement of continued investment is a huge signal of intent and a commitment to changing the experiences long term.

"The unit has already been the catalyst for much progress in the region, educating around attitudes and behaviours, whilst supporting key projects and interventions."