A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage men and women in Surrey to Take the First Step towards ending domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse - defined as actual or threatened physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse - affects one in four women and one in six men in Surrey at some point in their life.

The ‘First Step’ campaign has been launched by Surrey Police and Surrey Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) to encourage not only victims, but also their friends and family to seek advice about abusive relationships.

Although Surrey Police receives around 1,000 reports of domestic abuse a month, it is believed many more incidents go unreported and the campaign will particularly target social groups with a lower rate of reporting domestic abuse.

As part of the campaign, those who are not the direct victim are encouraged either speak to the suspected victim, call the SADA helpline on calling 01483 776822 or visit the website www.surreyagain

stda.info/to get support and advice.

Alternatively if the abuse has become serious it should be reported to the police by calling 101, online at www.surrey.police.uk/ or through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Haddleton from Surrey Police’s Public Protection team, said: “The fact that it takes multiple incidents before a domestic abuse victim comes forward means that a lot of people are suffering in silence.

“Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and the Surrey Against Domestic Abuse partnership provides the support victims need to feel confident in coming forward and speaking out. Break the cycle by taking the first step.”

DCI Haddleton continued: “Domestic abuse is socially unacceptable and hopefully this message will ensure that friends and family will feel justified to do something if they know or suspect that domestic abuse is taking place. Ignorance is not bliss.”

Throughout the new year period, police and SADA partners tend to see an increase in domestic abuse reports which may be associated with the financial pressures of post-Christmas.

DCI Haddleton also appealed to perpetrators of domestic abuse to take the first step.

She said: “Don’t get yourself into a violent or abusive situation. If drink causes arguments, then stop.”