Police officers will work with voluntary workers from domestic violence support groups as part of a six week trial.

The aim of the project is to reach victims earlier and increase the prosecutions of offenders.

The teams will be on duty from 2000 to 0400 BST on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sgt Pete Williams, domestic abuse supervisor for the city, said: "We know that people who suffer domestic violence often suffer in silence because they are afraid to come forward and are worried that they won't be believed.

"We hope that this initiative will help to reassure them that the police and partner agencies are there to support them and officers will gather the best possible evidence to bring their attacker to justice."