MORE than 16,000 men across the region reported domestic abuse to police in one year alone, new data shows.

The figure, for 2022-23, equates to 44 reports a day.

A Freedom of Information request to West Yorkshire Police by Accident Claims Advice revealed a total of 59,681 domestic abuse crimes were reported during the period.

Domestic abuse reports accounted for 20 per cent of all recorded crimes in the area.

A total of 43,691 involved female victims while the remaining 16,152 reports related to males.

The true figures could be even higher as the gender of the victim is not always recorded, said Accident Claims Advice.

West Yorkshire Police said it understands there may be "additional barriers" when it comes to male victims reporting abuse.

But it urged males to come forward to police or reach out to specialist agencies.

A spokesperson for the force said: "West Yorkshire Police fully recognises the impact of domestic abuse on all victims and understands that there may be additional barriers to reporting for male victims.

"Our awareness campaigns highlight that anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse and aim to increase confidence in reporting. The force ensures that reports from any victim, regardless of their gender, are taken seriously and thorough investigations are undertaken by dedicated officers in the district domestic abuse teams.

"Officers work closely with agencies to ensure that all victims receive the best possible care and support. West Yorkshire Police encourages anyone who may be experiencing domestic abuse to report it or to reach out to the specialist support agencies."

West Yorkshire Police has specially trained officers in district safeguarding units who can provide support and practical assistance to victims.

Help can range from making your home safer to working in partnership with a wide variety of statutory and voluntary agencies.

Last year, neighbourhood wardens in Keighley and other parts of the district received specialist training to support victims of domestic abuse.

The Bradford Council employees were equipped to recognise signs and offer help.

Training, which also covered support for people subjected to coercive control and gender-based violence, was provided by the council's domestic abuse and sexual violence team.

A number of organisations operate across the district to support people who've experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.

They include Staying Put, a charity which helps women, men and children.

For more about the work of Staying Put, visit stayingput.org.uk