Many women do not report abuse form partners or husbands

The Kent force has said it is dealing with 80% more incidents of domestic violence than five years ago.

But the figures also reveal only 12 % of the cases reported end up with an offender being charged and only 3% result in a conviction.

Kent Police said victims are often very reluctant to press charges.

We know these reported figures are only the tip of the ice-berg Pc Pauline Smith

Last year there were about 15,000 reports of domestic violence in Kent, 80% more than were reported five years ago.

Pc Pauline Smith, from Kent Police, said: "We find we get phone calls from women who are ringing in and who tell us they do not want to call the police but they want to talk to us about some advice - whatever problems they have.

"We know these reported figures are only the tip of the ice-berg."

Victims also worry about going to court and giving evidence against partners of husbands.

A new domestic violence bill is due to include measures to protect those who are abused such as stay away orders.

The South Kent Domestic Violence Forum is holding a series of events from Monday to raise awareness of domestic violence.