Statistics show that 400 domestic abuse incidents are reported every year in Melton, with 33 to 50 separate incidents reported to police every month.

But the British Crime Survey estimates only 40 per cent of incidents are actually reported meaning the real number of incidents in Melton is more like 1,000 a year – about three incidents a day.

Tackling domestic abuse has now been highlighted as a high-level priority by the Melton Area Safer Communities Partnership which met on Friday to discuss its achievements and set out its priorities for the next three years.

The partnership brings together a variety of organisations and agencies with a shared commitment to reduce crime and disorder in the Melton borough.

Every three years the partnership has to produce a three-year community safety plan. Key priorities identified for 2008 to 2011 include tackling domestic abuse with the aim of reducing the levels of repeat offences, increasing levels of reported domestic abuse and increasing the numbers of offenders brought to justice.

Rebecca, of Women's Aid Leicestershire Ltd (Wall) explained how its free and confidential outreach service works.

Wall is a voluntary organisation working with women and children affected by domestic violence. As well as providing refuge and outreach services in Leicester and Leicestershire, it provides independent domestic violence advisory services and training.

Rebecca said although more funding was needed for it to continue supporting vulnerable people, three-quarters of women from the borough who attended the freedom programme – a 12-week rolling programme looking at what's healthy and unhealthy in a relationship – hadn't been subject to repeat victimisation.

In addition a third of women who attended a confidence building course had gone on to gain paid employment and women attending support groups had also benefited.

Leicestershire Police are also encouraging more domestic abuse victims to speak up and ask for help.

A police spokesman said: "The most important thing you can do if you're in an abusive relationship is tell someone. The process of asking for help may take some time as you may try to make the relationship work and find practical and emotional reasons to stay with your abuser.

"Never be afraid to ask for help, even after you have left the relationship.

"In an emergency always dial 999. There are many different agencies working with people who are suffering domestic violence who can give you the support and advice you need."

* Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call Women's Aid Leicestershire on (0116) 242 6440 or log on to www.womensaid.org.uk