POLICE have revealed that in Hampshire one in four women, one in six men and one in four in same sex relationships are known to be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime.

The Speak Out campaign will run until the new year to encourage victims, abusers, friends and family to get help.

Shocking figures released by the police reveal that during peak hours on a Friday or Saturday night up to 12 people can fall victim to domestic abuse every hour.

So far from April this year 24,680 people have already suffered from domestic violence in Hampshire.

Last year police were called to 33,620 incidents – nearly 10 per cent more than the year before when 30,750 people were victims of domestic abuse.

But research shows that a woman being subjected to domestic abuse is likely to experience 35 separate incidents before calling the police.

And there are many women too frightened to speak out.

The message is “if you don’t speak out today there might not be a tomorrow” says Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs who is today rolling out the campaign to tackle abuse in the home.

He said: “Domestic abuse is violent crime, plain and simple and we work hard throughout the year to protect victims and target perpetrators.

“However as our research shows that there is a distinct increase in the run up to Christmas and over the new year period, we are encouraging victims, offenders and witnesses, to come forward, report domestic abuse and seek help and advice.”

Nearly a quarter of domestic abuse cases reported to police are from victims who have repeatedly been hurt by their partners.

But now the force has said more violent people who abuse their partners will be taken to court – with or without evidence from their victims – under a new agreement between police and prosecutors in Hampshire.

As part of the campaign stickers are being placed in men’s bathrooms in clubs and pubs in 85 venues across Hampshire.

And police will target female victims for the first time by using social media to encourage victims to speak out.

A live web chat will also be hosted as part of the campaign on Wednesday from 1pm until 3pm where police and council experts will answer any queries.

Detective Chief Inspector Snuggs said: “The one main difficulty we have is that victims are reluctant to report domestic abuse.

“I want a clear message sent to those who abuse their partners – that domestic abuse is unacceptable and people should not have to tolerate being assaulted in their own home.

“We will prosecute cases wherever we can in order to help survivors of domestic abuse break the cycle of violence against them.

“The message is simple Speak Out Today and do not suffer in silence.”

Go to http://hampshire domesticabuse.org.uk for local services and where to go for help and advice.