CHRISTMAS is a period of family fun and celebration for most – but for victims of domestic violence it can be a time of fear and distress.

West Mercia Police is urging victims to seek help this festive period and to benefit from one of the many services available to them.

Statistics show that the average victim will endure 30 to 35 incidents of abuse before looking for support and police are keen that victims don't wait this long to come forward.

Detective Superintendent Steve Eccleston, head of protecting vulnerable people, said: “Domestic violence and abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race or sexuality and we’re here to support all victims and ensure abusive partners cannot continue to make other people’s lives a misery.

“One instance of domestic abuse is one too many but people don’t need to suffer in silence - there is a way out.”

Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse – be it psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional - between individuals who are or have been intimate partners, regardless of gender or sexuality.

It also includes incidents between family members, aged 16 and over.

Victims can receive confidential help and advice from West Mercia Women’s Aid on 0800 980 3331, the Mankind Initiative, a scheme specifically for male victims, on 01823 334244, or the police on 0300 333 3000.

Help is similarly available for abusers. Anyone worried about their behaviour can visit Respect at respect.uk.net or call the helpline on 0845 122 8609.