Support for victims of home abuse

Police in north Leicestershire are offering support to victims of domestic abuse over the Christmas season.

Officers will be running a four-week campaign targeting known offenders as well as providing help to vulnerable women and men.

Analysis of Leicestershire crime figures shows that domestic abuse increases by as much as 70% over the Christmas period.

Police will work with agencies such as Women's Aid and housing advisors.

Between 1 December 2007 and 14 January 2008 there were 511 reports of domestic incidents, 154 of them involving violence.

The figures peaked on New Year's Day when there were 23 incidents compared with an average of 12 a day.

More pressure

Insp Mark Cuddihy said: "Sadly Christmas is not a happy time for everybody.

"With children off school, partners on holiday and an increase in alcohol consumption, pressures can build and lead to unacceptable violent or abusive behaviour.

"Many women suffer in silence because they are too frightened to pursue a court case and are concerned about where they will live and what will happen to them or their children.

"We can offer them all the help and support they need to end the abuse."

The service, which will be available in Loughborough, Charnwood, north west Leicestershire, Melton and Rutland, runs until 12 January.