Police have been joined by the council and local services to "protect" victims
16:01, 15 Jan 2026Updated 16:03, 15 Jan 2026
Police have pledged to crack down on violence caused by domestic abuse, after alarming statistics show the offence accounts for one quarter of crime across Doncaster.
The new multi-agency operation was launched in Doncaster yesterday (Wednesday, January 14) to strengthen police response to domestic abuse, prioritise victim safety and ensure that survivors and their families receive the support they need without delay. The initiative brings together South Yorkshire Police, The Safer Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP), City of Doncaster Council and local domestic abuse services to deliver a coordinated approach in order to better protect and safeguard victim-survivors in Doncaster.
Doncaster District Commander Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp said: “Tackling domestic abuse is a real priority for us as a force and district, and this launch with partners marks the start of our journey to commit to making real, positive change to improve our response to domestic abuse.
“As part of a new approach, we pledge to ensure swift attendance at incidents of domestic abuse, arrest where there is power to do so and protect victims and relatives using appropriate safeguarding measures.
“We also commit to carrying out effective and thorough victim-focused investigations as we seek to seize every opportunity we can to achieve positive criminal justice outcomes."
Superintendent Thorp acknowledged that the achievement could not be "done alone", explaining how it was essential to work alongside key partners to ensure there are multiple, accessible channels of support available to victim-survivors. Superintendent Thorp said: “We are always here to offer help and support, but we recognise that some people may feel hesitant, afraid or not entirely comfortable about telling the police what is happening to them.
“If that is you or someone you know, then please know that there are other organisations you can report information to, but we want to assure you that we are always here and we are always ready to listen.
“Officers will always follow up any reports where victims do not want us to progress a complaint, and we will ensure this is done in a safe way that protects them and any affected relatives, including children.
“We understand just how difficult it can be to make that report, but we want to give you every chance to tell us what’s happening. You can report as many times as you need and just because you make a report once, it will never stop you from reporting the same offence to us again in the future.”
How to reach out for help
You can report domestic abuse to police on the non-emergency number 101 or by making a report via the website. If you’re worried about someone knowing that you’ve visited our website, you can hide your visit.
If there is an immediate danger to life, including when someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent, call 999.
If you cannot speak to the operator, please dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator, respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can, and then if prompted, press 55 to let the operator know it's a genuine emergency, and you'll be put through to police. This is known as the Silent Solution.
To report information anonymously, you contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by filling out a form on their website. Nobody will know you have contacted them, and your computer and mobile phone IP addresses cannot be tracked.
Other organisations offering advice and support
- DRASACS (Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service) – provides an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy) Service.
- Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub - Domestic abuse support service provided by Doncaster City Council. You can call them on 01302 737080, email dahub@doncaster.gov.uk or complete an online self-referral form.
- Phoenix Women’s Aid – Charity providing aid for women, men and children in Doncaster. Call them on 07932 069 153 or email help@phoenixwomensaid.org.uk.
- Women’s Aid - a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children by providing life-saving local services, running helplines, offering training for professionals, campaigning for policy change, and supporting survivors with resources and online communities.
- Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) - Specialist charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Barnsley, Sheffield and North Yorkshire.
- Inspire to Change - Programme in South Yorkshire designed to help men and women manage abusive behaviour to prevent harm to their partners, family and children.
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