IT’S one of the most terrifying yet often unspoken about crimes and at its peak can see 12 victims every hour in Hampshire.

Since April this year almost 25,000 people have suffered domestic violence at the hands of an aggressive partner – and they are just the ones that get reported.

Today, as the festive period gets under way when calls typically spiral by 20 per cent, police and council chiefs have launched a campaign to encourage victims to speak out and seek help.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs, leading the initiative, said: “The message is simple – if you don’t speak out today there might not be a tomorrow”.

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