Victims of domestic abuse in Thanet are being urged to report the crime.

A new campaign has been launched by the Thanet Domestic Abuse Forum, which urges victims to call if they are suffering. It is also aimed at friends, who may know people who are in abusive relationship.

The campaign uses material including posters, beer mats, radio and newspaper adverts to get the message across to encourage people that they need to “break it, stop it, beat it … or it will all end in tears”. Thorley Taverns are supporting this campaign by placing materials in all their buildings across Thanet.

Domestic Abuse Service Coordinator Dee Neligan said: “We know domestic abuse rises over the festive season and we’re expecting that to increase to even higher this year, with the current economic situation. The message is simple. There’s no excuse for domestic abuse and victims shouldn’t suffer in silence. There is help out there and it’s just a phone call away. If you, or anyone you knows, needs help, then just pick up the phone and call.”

Always call 999 in an emergency. You can also call the Kent Domestic Violence Information Line on 0845 603 6813, the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247 or the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327.