Mari Reid was fatally stabbed in her kitchen

Sarah Reid's sister Mari was fatally stabbed at her home by her estranged husband on St David's Day in 1998.

The Spotlight On the Suspect campaign focuses on repeat offenders, with police saying domestic abuse was a crime which would not be tolerated.

Officers will now make arrests even if victims do not want to press charges.

Ms Reid welcomed the campaign launched on Friday as it would send "a strong message that it's unacceptable to abuse your partner and that the police do take action".

Mari Reid, 29, a university secretary and school friend of singer Cerys Matthews, was stabbed to death with a kitchen knife in March 1998, shortly after her marriage broke up.

'Greatest concern'

Her estranged husband was jailed for life after a murder trial.

"When my sister was harassed and threatened by her husband my automatic reaction was - you must get an injunction to stop this," said Ms Reid.

"Her response was - you have no idea what that would do.

"Often the woman will be the only person who is unprotected," she added.

Now police are saying - we know this is happening Elen Pierce, Welsh Women's Aid

"Support is the key for any woman considering making the break."

According to South Wales Police the reporting of domestic abuse incidents has increased over the past four years.

During 2001/2002 in Swansea H Division police received reports of 1,429 incidents. That rose to 2,515 in 2004/2005.

Officers said this 57% increase can be put down to an increase of public awareness, confidence in reporting incidents and the success of police response and multi-agency working.

Chief Superintendent Mel Jehu said: "This campaign shows the police and the overall Safer Swansea Partnership's commitment to tackling domestic abuse in our city.

"Domestic abuse is a crime and will not be tolerated. We will do all we can to ensure those individuals who cause the greatest concern in our society are held accountable for their actions."

Elen Pierce, director of Welsh Women's Aid said that much had been done since the 2004 Domestic Violence Act but a multi agency campaign was key to reducing domestic abuse.

"Partnership is very much the world of today," Ms Pierce added.

"If the police have an overwhelming amount of evidence collected, in the past it would be necessary for victims to press charges. But now police are saying - we know this is happening."