Police can take pictures of the aftermath of attacks

The 20 standard 35mm cameras will be used to take pictures of victims' injuries as well as damage done to homes and property.

Last year, there were 10,000 domestic violence incidents in the Cleveland force area, but many cases were dropped before going to court.

Now victims may not have to appear and pictures can be used as vital evidence.

Supt Mick Sedlatschek, head of community development at Cleveland Police, said: "There are procedures in existence where victims don't have to appear in court if they fear for their own safety.

"Some people do withdraw their complaint because of that, but with this initiative that should be reduced, and perpetrators can be brought to justice.

"They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and these capture the best possible evidence available.

"If used in court it's much better than reading a statement."