"DO NOT suffer in silence" is the message to victims of domestic violence in a campaign launched by Eastleigh police and the local community safety partnership.

Police are determined to tackle assaults in the home and provide victims with the support they need.

As part of a three-month campaign, two key contact telephone numbers for victims will appear on the reverse of nearly a quarter of a million car park tickets issued in Eastleigh council-run car parks in the town centre.

Domestic violence is one of the most regular crimes committed in the country, with an average of one call per minute being reported to the police throughout the UK.

Police say a number of situations can spark assaults including debt, work troubles, infidelity and conflict involving children and that, in many instances, the aggressor is under the influence of alcohol.

Eastleigh police domestic violence co-ordinator Detective Constable Eileen Speck is leading the promotion and says she knows there are many people who are too frightened to report their loved ones for fear of making matters worse.

She said: "Domestic violence is a serious crime and actually constitutes assault. But the message I want to send out to victims - and especially to women - is this: 'Don't suffer in silence and don't be frightened to report your loved one.'

"The follow-up actions we take include looking at all possible measures to protect victims from further attacks of violence and to restore harmony within the relationship and the home."

Remedial measures include considering housing victims in a refuge for a cooling-off period, anger management courses and mediation.

Eileen added: "In very extreme cases where the actions are more serious and there is little likelihood of resolving or preventing repeated acts of violence, victims are offered support to find a safe haven and eventually move on to a new life.

"Local housing authorities will also often be able to assist victims through their housing policies."

Strategic manager for domestic violence in Eastleigh and chairman of the Domestic Violence Forum Chris Parsons, said: "Our aim is to offer a complete support network and information to victims and ultimately help restore unity in the home and enable families to continue living together."