NEARLY 25,000 people have suffered from domestic violence in Hampshire since April.

The figure has been revealed by the police as part of the Speak Out campaign, which will run until the New Year, to encourage victims, abusers, friends and family to get help.

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

Last year, the 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.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs, of Hampshire Police, said the message of the campaign is that “if you don’t speak out today, there might not be a tomorrow”.

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 the 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.

Det Chief Insp Snuggs said: “We will prosecute cases wherever we can. The message is simple – Speak Out Today and do not suffer in silence.”