POLICE in Lancaster and Morecambe have vowed to tackle the increasing problem of domestic violence.

Last year more than 1,500 incidents of domestic violence were reported to the local police force but they fear that this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

Research has shown that on average women are beaten 35 times before seeking help.

Now people who turn to the constabulary for help will be given more support and encouragement to report their violent partners.

Police officers have been instructed to use their powers of arrest more when confronted by offenders and they are to be supported by two specialist domestic violence officers based at Lancaster, Debbie Hydes and Gill Hill.

PC Hydes said: "Essentially we want to be much more positive when they deal with these kinds of crimes. Last year we had more than 1,500 domestic violence incidents reported in this division and we know that there are many others that go unreported. Sometime victims are just too terrified to come forward which is why we are trying to encourage more and more of them to report their partners if they become violence victims."

She added: "If they don't want to press charges we can also help because through our multi agency approach we can point them towards someone who can give advice and support."

PC Hill said: "Officers know that they must never walk away from incidents without taking positive action including the use of their power of arrest if it is obvious that the victim has been injured, even if a complaint has not been made."

Acting Det Chief Insp Paul Mattinson, said: "The figures for domestic violence are very disturbing and are particularly worrying when we know that they are only the tip of the iceberg. Debbie and Gill are doing everything they can to make sure their colleagues in the division tackle the problem correctly so that offenders are held accountable for their actions."