Incidents have increased '20-fold'

But the real number of incidents could be as high as 30,000 per annum, says a senior police officer.

The information has been released by the multi-agency Domestic Violence Intervention Partnership.

It works to "reduce the harm caused by domestic violence by providing advocacy, support and information".

600 victims

Stephen Long, deputy chief constable of Wiltshire Police and chair of the DVIP steering group, said: "The number of incidents recorded by Wiltshire Police has increased 20-fold over the last seven years and now stands in excess of 5,000 a year.

"There is no doubt, based on our own experience and national research, that this represents only a fraction of the total number of incidents which occur every year.

"Estimates are that the real level of domestic violence can be put at around 30,000 incidents per year for Wiltshire and Swindon."

Since the launch of the DVIP in October 2002, the service has reached over 600 victims.

It works as a "multi-agency partnership", and includes support groups, council and the police.