EVENTS have been taking place across Keighley as part of an annual Safeguarding Week.

The Bradford-district initiative, now in its fifth year, has featured around 70 workshops and other activities.

A safeguarding conference was held at Airedale Hospital on Monday (Oct 17).

And a special campervan, which has been touring the district gathering people's views on safety issues, called at the hospital and Keighley town centre.

Topics covered as part of the initiative – which continues until tomorrow – include domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and modern day slavery.

There is also a focus on staff training.

Several agencies and organisations are involved, including Bradford Council, the police and health and voluntary sectors.

Jonathan Phillips – chairman of the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board, which is helping co-ordinate the venture – said: "Everyone has the right to live a safe life free from abuse or neglect.

"Having a week of activities developing the skills and knowledge of staff means we can raise awareness of ways in which we are able to help make the lives of adults and children safer."

Chief Superintendent Simon Atkin, who chairs the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Board, says the week plays a hugely important role.

"It provides a real focus to emphasise the importance of all agencies continuing to improve how we work together across the district with the overall aim of raising awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence," he added.

Councillor Val Slater, the council's deputy leader and portfolio holder for health and social care, said everybody had a part to play in making the district safer.

"We view safeguarding as the most important responsibility we have," she added.

"Safeguarding Week both raises awareness about issues and helps improve professional practice."

In neighbouring South Craven, people suffering domestic abuse have been told by a top North Yorkshire police officer that support is available.

Assistant Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: "Domestic abuse can affect anyone at any time and take many forms.

"It ranges from emotional abuse through to physical and verbal abuse and controlling behaviour.

"Figures show that the greatest number of offences are by men against women, often with both parties being in their twenties.

"And nearly a third of recorded instances of domestic abuse are repeat attacks in the home.

"Anyone who finds themselves in an abusive situation does not have to deal with it alone. There are many agencies which can give help and support."

She said help was also available for young people, who could be seriously affected by witnessing abuse in the home.

A range of projects is operating across the area and information events have been staged this week.

Anyone with concerns that someone they know may be affected by domestic abuse can report it via safeguardingchildren.co.uk/worried-about-child or northyorks.gov.uk/article/24309/Safeguarding-vulnerable-adults.