DORSET Police deal with an incident of domestic violence every hour of the day. Officers receive on average 700 reports of domestic abuse per month across the county and have dealt with more than 36,000 incidents of domestic violence in the last five years.

Around one in four women and 38 per cent of men will become a victim of domestic abuse within their lifetime. And across the UK, two women a week and one man every 17 days are killed by their current or former partner.

During the festive season, these averages increase and police have been forced to bring in additional specially-trained officers to try and combat the problem.

Today we hear from a campaigner who is backing Dorset Police’s approach to the issue.

A CAMPAIGNER for domestic abuse awareness in Dorset has praised the police for tackling the issue over the festive season.

Dorset Police announced earlier this month that it would bring in additional specially-trained officers dedicated to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Those who have suffered domestic abuse will be visited by police to ensure they are safe and are not currently experiencing any abuse, and known perpetrators will also receive a visit from police to check they are abiding with the law and any special conditions imposed on them.

It is the second time this year the police have drafted in extra officers after launching a similar crackdown during the football World Cup in June, which was deemed a success.

It is not known why, but major sporting occasions or times of celebration such as Christmas lead to a surge in reports of domestic violence and abuse, and it is the reason why police have launched this latest crackdown.

Mollie Rennie, chairman of the welfare committee at West Dorset Women’s Refuge, praised police for their “proactive” approach to the issue.

She said: “I think this is so crucial.

“Instead of waiting for it to happen the police are getting out there and reminding people they are there and are clamping down on it.

“This proactive work is such good news.

“There was good feedback during the World Cup and I think that’s why they have decided to do it again because they realised it works and has a positive effect so will do it again.

“They are trying to let the victims and survivors of abusive relationships whose partners are still around know that the police are there for them and all they have to do is pick up a phone and call them, and the police will be straight round.”

Mrs Rennie said the positive approach by police would “empower” victims of domestic abuse and would play a vital role in their recovery.

“People, both men and women, who survive domestic abuse are so strong. They are strong for surviving, and strong for continuing with their lives.

“There might be a wobble every now and then, they might reach a low point or the perpetrator might return into their lives, but they know they have support groups around them and the police if that happens, and that thought that someone is helping you, looking out for you, it sticks in your mind.

“It empowers survivors, to know the police will help them, and that empowerment is so important to survivors, it gives them control.

“When you are in an abusive relationship and someone takes every bit of control away from you, and when you get little bits of control back, it makes a huge impact on the recovery process.”

She added: “It’s so encouraging for people to know that even though it’s Christmas, even though it’s bank holiday, if anything terrible happens the police are still there to help.

“What I would say is victims of domestic abuse should not be scared of calling the police.

“Attitudes within the police have changed dramatically over the past 20 years. They will now react properly, sensibly and pro-actively to any reports of domestic abuse.”