SURREY Police and the Surrey Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) partnership have launched a campaign to encourage men and women to “Take the First Step” towards ending domestic abuse.

The First Step campaign is aimed at encouraging 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. The campaign will particularly target social groups with a lower rate of reporting domestic abuse.

And those who are not the direct victim are encouraged either speak to the suspected victim or call the SADA helpline by calling (01483) 776822 – online at www. surreyagainstda.info – to get support and advice.

Alternatively if the abuse has become serious it should be reported to the police by calling 101 – www.surrey.police.uk

Victims can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Surrey Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Haddleton, said: “The fact it takes multiple incidents before a domestic abuse victim comes forward means 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. Domestic abuse is socially unacceptable and hopefully this message will ensure friends and family feel justified to do something if they know or suspect domestic abuse is taking place.

“Ignorance is not bliss.”

Over the new year period, the police and SADA tend to see an increase in domestic abuse cases, often added to by financial pressures after Christmas.

Det Ch Insp 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.”

Domestic abuse affects one-in-four women and one-in-six men at some point in their life in the UK.

It is the actual or threatened physical, emotional, psychological or sexual abuse, involving the use of power and control by one person over another – regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, age, religion, and mental or physical ability.

Last week, a new domestic abuse offence of Controlling or Coercive Behaviour took effect – recognising the severity of mental, emotional and exploitive behaviour.