A CAMPAIGN has highlighted the support available locally to perpetrators of domestic abuse desperate to change their ways.

The initiative was staged by West Yorkshire Police in support of an international 16 days of action against domestic violence.

It’s in Your Hands targeted both men and women concerned about their behaviour.

The campaign launch included a video featuring a reformed offender talking about the impact a conviction had on his life – and encouraging others to seek help to change their ways.

The footage can be viewed at westyorkshire.police.uk/inyourhands, where further information about the help available can also be found.

West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable, Catherine Hankinson, is urging people who recognise they have an issue to seek help as early as possible.

She added: “We do a lot of work to encourage people affected by domestic abuse to break the cycle and seek help. Our message with this campaign is that ultimately it is in the perpetrators’ hands and their hands only to change their behaviour for good.

“There are organisations across the region – which are completely independent of the police – that help both men and women to address the root causes of their violent or controlling behaviour and change their mindset.

“While they do work with people who have been arrested, it doesn’t need to get to that stage and we are encouraging people to make the call now before it gets that far.

“Families can be torn apart by domestic abuse, but we also know a lot of people want to do what they can to keep their family together. Ultimately, the earlier that you get help to understand and change the way you behave, the better chance you have of fixing your relationship with your partner and protecting any children in your household.”

Organisations providing support include Project 6 in Keighley. It can be contacted on 01535 610180 or admin@project6.org.uk, or visit project6.org.uk.

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s police and crime commissioner, is asking the public to help spread the message that support is available to change damaging behaviours.

He added: “It is all about getting help at the earliest stage possible from support organisations which can work with you to change your behaviour if you are concerned that you’re becoming aggressive or controlling towards your partner.

“Anyone who is concerned about their own behaviour should seek help.”