Campaign Against Domestic Abuse

14 May 2012, 00:00 | Updated: 14 May 2012, 06:13

A two month campaign has started to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

For the first time Thames Valley Police are spending the next two months trying to increase awareness and promote early intervention of domestic abuse.

9,548 reports of domestic violence were received by the force last year, down by almost 15% on the previous year. Police say the majority of domestic abuse cases still goes unreported and a drop in figures doesn't mean the issue is improving. 

Family, friends, neighbours and colleagues are now being encouraged to come forward and tell police or other agencies if they suspect someone is suffering abuse.

Detective Superintendant Nora Holford, Thames Valley Police's Head of Protecting Vulnerable People, says "If you know someone is suffering domestic abuse, help them and make that call. 

"Domestic abuse can affect anyone. It could be someone you know or it could be you, and men as well as women can be victims of domestic abuse. The first port of call is the police. Contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency."

For more information go to www.speakouttoday.co.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.