People urged to speak on home violence

A campaign designed to raise awareness of domestic abuse has started in the Wyre Forest district and elsewhere in Worcestershire.

West Mercia Police officers are hoping by raising awareness that they will be able to persuade people to report incidents through the Crimestoppers anonymous hotline 0800 555111.

They claim that as many as one in four women are likely to experience domestic violence at some time and one report is received by police across the country every 60 seconds.

Det Sgt Sharon Avery, from the force's public protection unit, said: "Domestic abuse is largely a hidden crime. It is not discussed and the fear may be constant.

"The End Violence Against Women campaign runs until December 10 and we want people to work with us to report any incidents they have witnessed or suspicions they may have."