National policing lead on domestic abuse Assistant Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said:

"Dealing with domestic violence is rightly at the top of the police agenda; having been a key topic of discussion at the most recent Chief Constable's Council.

"Our responses to domestic violence have greatly improved due to our investment in specialist officers, training call handlers to better assess risks and building working partnerships with a multitude of organisations. The conviction rate for domestic violence has increased to 74 per cent this year from 60 per cent in 2005/6 with 52,000 offenders brought to justice in 2012/13.

"There is more to do and we are doing it with less. But we are working with partners and piloting new approaches and initiatives to prevent people suffering this abuse.

"Research has shown that on average it's the 35th incident of domestic abuse before a victim calls us. They are at crisis point and the situation is high risk. That means that we must get our first response right.

"But we can't do it alone. Social services, local government, health, probation and the third sector need to work with us to prevent domestic abuse at an earlier stage and provide the right support to prevent it escalating. Victims of domestic abuse don't just need a criminal justice response; they may also need advice, counselling, help with moving home or support for their children."

"If you are being abused tell us so that we can get you the help that you need. Call 101 for your local police force or 999 in an emergency. The 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 provides help and support."