AN estimated 44,000 women and 25,000 men per year in Hampshire experience domestic abuse, and one-in-four women and one-in-six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, often with years of psychological abuse.

Hampshire County Council is currently supporting the 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence, which started at the end of last month.

Patricia Stallard, the county council’s executive member for public health, said: “Domestic abuse has far-reaching effects on individuals, families and communities. Hampshire County Council and partner agencies working together are committed to tackling domestic abuse.

“Because of its complexity, domestic abuse cannot be tackled in isolation, so critical to delivering this aim is working in partnership and taking a multi-agency approach.”

Central to this was the launch last year of the Integrated Domestic Abuse Service for Hampshire, offering a confidential support service to women, men, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse.

This aims to improve outcomes for adult victims, their children and their families.

The service consists of community-based floating support and outreach services, support from independent domestic violence advisers, dedicated support services for children and families, and crisis accommodation.

Victims of abuse, and those working with them, can contact the service on 03300 165 112 to get immediate information, as well as referral to the most appropriate service for ongoing support.

Both men and women may perpetrate or experience domestic violence and abuse, but it is more commonly inflicted on women by men.

The county council will continue to work with partners to support victims of abuse and raise awareness of abuse and its impacts on communities.