Cumbria Police has revealed that it deals with at least 17 incidents of domestic abuse everyday across the county.

The figure was released as the force launched its domestic abuse awareness campaign today.

The campaign will run over the Christmas period and will feature daily promotion of different support services available to victims in Cumbria on the force’s social media accounts.

Due to many factors, cases of domestic abuse commonly increase in December.

Force lead for domestic abuse, Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop said: “This campaign aims to highlight the support services available to the public so they can get the advice and support they may need. Getting the right support can empower someone to take their next positive step forward.

“We also want to encourage victims to report abuse. Incidents will be investigated thoroughly and sensitively and we will help people get the support they need.

“There is a whole wealth of support services available in Cumbria; everything from counselling to rehoming support in addition to many other services available nationally. As the Police, we can help you access these support services and we will support you though any court process.”

“Support is also available for anyone who recognises their behaviour towards a partner or family member is inappropriate. It is important to understand why this may be happening so people can get the help they need. This could be financial advice, support around substance or alcohol misuse or, emotional health and wellbeing."

The Constabulary’s campaign is set to send a clear message to victims: There is support available for you.

There are five areas which domestic abuse is categorised into:

• Controlling behaviour, where a perpetrator controls areas of the victim’s life. This can include, controlling who the victim meets or speaks to, what they access on social media, what they wear and monitoring a person’s movements.

• Coercive behaviour, where the victim is forced to do things against their will, or they are constantly shouted at, ridiculed, deliberately frightened, threatened or made to feel like they have to walk on eggshells all the time.

• Financial abuse, where the perpetrator controls the victim’s finances or restricts what money they can access for themselves or others. This is also a form of controlling behaviour.

• Psychological abuse, where a perpetrator destroys the confidence, outlook or mind set of the victim.

• Physical abuse.

The constabulary will also be hosting weekly domestic abuse surgeries through events on their Facebook page, which will run on Wednesdays on the run up to Christmas.

You can access support services regardless of if you have reported a crime to the police. To access support services independently, contact Victim Support 24/7 on 0808 1689 111 or visit the Cumbria Together website www.cumbriatogether.com.