During the next week, we'll be talking about the signs you can look out for if you suspect someone you know may be a victim.
Domestic abuse isn't just about violent or threatening behaviour - it can be psychological or emotional, sexual or financial, controlling and coercive. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, religion, race or sexuality. It can happen in short and long term relationships and partners, ex-partners and family members can all be involved.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson funds a number of support services throughout Wiltshire and Swindon, and most recently provided £220,000 to The Phoenix Project run by Splitz Support Service. The project aims to provide a range of valuable support to male and female victims of domestic and sexual abuse in the county.
He said: "Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on the victims - damaging their lives, and that of their families. No one should ever have to go through the horrific ordeal of being abused, controlled or coerced but unfortunately this does happen.
"Putting victim's at the heart of Wiltshire Police's work is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and I am delighted to be able to commission a number of valuable support services across the county to protect domestic abuse victims and survivors.
"By bringing police, local authorities, health professionals and domestic abuse support services together to share information, identify risks and co-ordinate responses; I hope many more victims will be empowered to get the help they need".
Detective Inspector Simon Childe, Force Lead for Domestic Abuse, said: "If you are experiencing domestic abuse it is important to remember it is not your fault. You may feel trapped and unable to leave but there is a lot of support available. Whether you call the police or a victim support service; I urge you to please tell somebody.
"It is understandable that you may not want to get your partner into trouble because of the emotional involvement, but domestic abuse often increases in frequency and severity over time.
"Please call us on 101 to report your concerns. If you think you or someone else you know are in immediate danger please call 999 immediately".
Domestic abuse is everyone's business - if it's happening to you or someone you know, report it as soon as you can. We understand that victims of domestic abuse will often feel scared to report it but the abuse often gets worse over time.
Some of the signs that you might be in an abusive relationship are:
Some of the signs that someone you know might be in an abusive relationship are:
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare's Law, allows you to find out if a partner poses a risk of violence or abuse. In the 12 months to March 2018 Wiltshire Police received 193 'right to know' applications leading to 112 disclosures and 70 'right to ask' applications; all of which were disclosed.
For more information visit: https://www.wiltshire.police.uk
Call 101 to report concerns, or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 999.