Advice and support
The law
West Yorkshire Police
In cases of domestic violence, the police will respond as soon as possible, assess the level of risk posed to the victim or family, and work to protect them. The police will investigate all allegations of domestic violence, and hold offenders to account through the Criminal Justice system.
Police Officers at the Domestic Violence Unit may be able to visit a victim of domestic violence, provide safety advice and, if appropriate, arrange to have door and window locks changed or personal attack alarms installed in the victim's home.
In an emergency, call 999.
- West Yorkshire Police General Switchboard (non-emergency) 101
- Calderdale Domestic Violence Unit (non-emergency) 01422 337041
- Calderdale Child Protection Unit (non-emergency) 01422 337042.
Court Services
For general information about Her Majesty's Court Service, visit Her Majesty's Courts Service|
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For a virtual 'walk' through the criminal justice system, visit DirectGov: Going to Court| .
Local County, Magistrates and Crown Courts
- Calderdale Magistrates Court (Harrison Road, Halifax) 01422 360695
- Halifax County Court (Prescott Street, Halifax) 01422 344700
- Bradford Law Courts (Exchange Square, Drake Street, Bradford) 01274 840274.
To find out the opening hours or facilities at these courts, or to find out how to get there, visit CourtFinder| .
- CAFCASS (Bradford) 01274 386100
CAFCASS prepares reports for Family Proceedings Courts in cases where there are disputes between adults regarding arrangements for the care of children following parental separation or divorce - Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)
The IDVA is funded initially for 6 months to provide support through the criminal justice process, including advice and safety planning for victims and their children. It is hoped that funding will be found to maintain this service in the long term.
Services for witnesses
If you need information and advice about going to court, or support in court, please contact the Domestic Violence Support Team, the Independent Domestic Violence Advocate or the Witness Service. If you are due to appear as a witness in court, the Witness Care Bureau will contact you and maintain contact with you throughout the court case.
- The Witness Service (Halifax) 01422 344616.
The Witness Service is managed by Victim Support West Yorkshire. It offers free, confidential support and information to witnesses and their families in Crown and Magistrates' Courts. The service provides pre-court visits, support in court, and a quiet place to wait before and during a hearing.
- Witness Care Bureau 01274 301233 or 301227.
The Witness Care Bureau maintains contact with the witness at every stage of the case. Workers at the bureau liaise with the CPS, courts, and police officers, and inform the witness of the dates and outcomes of all court proceedings. Workers can also help the witness to meet a range of needs, including claiming expenses.
Keeping yourself safe
If you have concerns about someone knowing you are reading this information, follow the advice given at Keeping Yourself Safe| . To avoid similar problems in the future, use a computer in a local library .
