Jo Coles, York and North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, is calling on people to share their views on violence and community safety in York and North Yorkshire.

Data shows that between April to September 2024, serious violence fell by 10% in York and North Yorkshire compared to the same period in the previous year. This year’s survey will  be used to continue to improve support to victims and to reduce violence in the future.

This year’s survey also includes specific questions about violence against women and girls. Anyone who has been a victim of violence, felt unsafe or been affected by violent crime can take part in the survey to help improve services and support going forward.

The survey is open until Friday 4 July 2025.

START THE SURVEY:  https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/ViolenceSurvey

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime said:

“Everyone has the right to feel safe. Serious violence devastates victims’ lives. Although our levels of serious violence in York and North Yorkshire are relatively low, each case is devastating for victims and causes huge damage to our communities.

“The new Government has committed to halve serious violence, including knife crime. To make sure we’re in the best position to reduce levels of violence in our communities it’s really important we have an accurate picture of how these issues are currently affecting people.

“So if you can, please take a few minutes of your time to let us know how safe you feel in your communities and if you’ve been a victim of crime over the last 12 months.

If you have been a victim of crime and need help to cope and recover

If you have suffered as the result of a crime and you are finding it hard to cope, Supporting Victims can help you – even if you have decided not to report that crime to the police.

phone: 01609 643 100
visit: www.SupportingVictims.org

 

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Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme

It’s your right to ask…

Did you know the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, gives you the right to ask about a partner, or ex-partner’s previous history of offending?

The scheme sets out what the police can disclose about someone’s previous violent or abusive offending, emotional abuse, controlling or coercive behaviour, or financial abuse, where this may help protect their partner or ex-partner and any connected children.

What you need to know:

• Information can only be shared with current, potential or ex-partners.
• When a request is received, checks are completed and collated from police systems to ensure information is up to date.
• Information shared focuses on violent or abusive offending, including things such as controlling and coercive behaviour or harassment. We can only share information that is pertinent to the risk and which will assist in keeping the person receiving it safe.
• Information is shared verbally. You will be asked to sign an undertaking before hearing any information which states that it cannot be shared with anyone.
• Anyone can apply for information under Clare’s Law – not just women. It’s absolutely not gender restrictive, nor is it for heterosexual people only.

How do I make a request under the scheme?

Requests can be submitted online via Request information under Clare’s Law: Make a Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) application | North Yorkshire Police, or by calling 101 or going to your local police station. You can submit a request for yourself about a current, potential or ex-partner. You can also submit a request on behalf of another if you have concerns for their relationship, however, you have no entitlement to the information given, as it will only be shared with the person at risk.

What will happen?

You will be contacted within 10 days of making your request with details of the scheme, timescales and any relevant signposting to support agencies as necessary. You may then be invited to an appointment to discuss your request.

Your right to know…

The scheme also gives the police the power to tell you, even if you have not asked, if they become aware that you may be at risk from a partner or ex-partner.

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