POLICE in Taunton, Wellington and West Somerset are urging people to pick up the phone if they suspect someone is suffering from domestic abuse.

As part of National Domestic Abuse Week Avon and Somerset Police has launched the With One Phone Call You Could Change a Life campaign.

This calls on anyone who knows or suspects a domestic abuser to report them before it’s too late.

Det Insp Paul Fell said: “Statistics show survivors are abused 35 times before they report anything to the police.

“They suffer all that violence before they eventually tell the police.

“If you suspect anyone is a victim of domestic abuse do call the police.

“It isn’t just about that one person but the whole family and even the wider community.”

n Two people are murdered in England and Wales every week as a result of domestic abuse.

n Around 20% of domestic abusers go on to commit offences against their next partner.

n 56% of rapes are committed by the victim’s ex or current partner - many offenders go on to rape strangers outside the home.

n There’s often a background of domestic abuse in child homicide cases.

To report a suspected domestic abuser call police on 0845-4567000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

And to seek help from Somerset Change, which helps survivors and abusers, call their confidential help line on 0800-6949999 or Victim Service Co-ordinator on 01823-352247.