Mary lived with her violent husband for six years before telling police

Support groups said attacks in the home increase over the festive season but victims feel unable to report it because the aggressors are nearby.

Police in Maidstone said they receive about 150 domestic abuse calls a month - with more at Christmas.

The true level of abuse, normally against women, is difficult to gauge because many attacks go unreported.

No-one should have to live in an abusive relationship Women's Support Service spokesperson

Det Con Rachel Freeman, domestic violence officer, said: "Christmas can sometimes be a period of high tension, when families are spending a greater amount of time together.

"This can put a lot of pressure on inter-personal relationships and it is possible that any domestic abuse issues maybe highlighted or more prevalent."

One Kent victim, Mary, from near Maidstone, lived with her violent husband for six years before leaving him and reporting him to police.

He was eventually convicted of common assault.

"He started kicking and punching and pulling me round by my hair. One of his favourite things was spitting in my face," she said.

"I really believed he had the upper hand."

Now she and her four children are looking forward to Christmas and urging other women to take action.

Abusive relationship

Police in Maidstone and Malling work with other agencies such as the Women's Support Service (WSS) and Victim Support Service (VSS) to help victims of domestic violence.

A WSS spokesman said: "No-one should have to live in an abusive relationship.

"Perpetrators of domestic violence use many means to control and gain power over their partner.

"Emotional, verbal, financial and sexual abuse are all common as well as physical assaults."

The National Domestic Violence Helpline is 0808 2000 247.