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If domestic abuse is the hidden crime, then the children in these abusive relationships are the hidden victims.

Children from across Redcar and Cleveland spoke to BBC Radio Cleveland about their experiences of violence in the home:

"I was really scared when I first heard my Mum and Dad shouting.

"I was afraid to go downstairs, and when I realised it was a fight I didn't know what to do.

"I tried to forget all about it and go to sleep, but I couldn't because of all the things in my head.

"I didn't know what to do - should I say something, stand up and speak out, or lay here and let it unfold?

"One night I went downstairs but they told me to go back to my room, and when I woke up the next morning it was all back to normal again.

Another child said:

"I was getting beaten and my Mum was getting beaten too.

"My Dad even threw my dog down the stairs once and knocked it's tooth out.

"Now I'm away from it all I feel happier and safer, and now we're moving I won't have to look over my shoulder when I go out.

"I'm in a domestic violence group at EVA, and it's really fun. We go on trips together and there's always somebody to talk to, which really helps me as there are people that care about me.

One girl added:

"I remember one time when my Dad was drunk and came home. He started arguing with my Mum, so I took my brother in another room because I didn't want him to be involved.

"My Dad tried to strangle my Mum, so I grabbed the phone and threatened them by saying I would phone the Police, and they stopped.

"I still have contact with my Dad and he can be fun sometimes, but other times I don't have a clue when he's going to erupt.

"In the EVA girls group we paint, cook, go for walks and write about domestic violence and the different types of it.

"I think that there should be more care workers who can look after children because they really help, and now if I ever have any domestic violence in my life I know what to do."