The BBC has launched a "Hitting Home" series, and police officers in the county are delivering a message to victims that help is available.

Police hope to reassure people that their calls will be taken seriously, and dealt with sensitively.

Officers are particularly keen to reach out to victims in same sex relationships and victims from the ethnic minorities.

Severely traumatised

The force's domestic violence co-ordinator, Helen Appleby, said: "Victims can so often feel isolated, embarrassed and ashamed, that they are the only one suffering and often don't know who to turn to, or what to do.

"The impact on people's lives can be devastating and children witnessing incidents can be severely traumatised."

The number of reported incidents in Staffordshire increased from 14,089 for January-December 2001 to 16,818 for the same period last year.

"We don't believe there is an increase in domestic violence itself, but that more victims are becoming aware of the options available to them, and they are more confident in reporting the crime to the police," added Mrs Appleby.