Domestic violence reports soared by 12 per cent in Suffolk last year with more than 2,000 recorded incidents involving male victims, police have said.

Suffolk Constabulary recorded more than 9,000 incidents of domestic abuse between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015 – a year-on-year increase of 12.6pc Around 23pc of victims were male.

Despite thousands of incidents being recorded by police every year it is still thought domestic abuse is vastly under-reported as it is often hidden from everyone except the victim and perpetrator.

Officers acknowledge it takes courage for victims to come forward as it can mean a dramatic change and emotional, legal and practical complications.

In a bid to raise awareness of the issues, and the support, advice and help available, police and partner agencies will be carrying out a number of activities over the next few weeks.

In north Suffolk representatives from the Waveney Domestic Violence & Abuse Forum (WDVAF) will be holding events in Lowestoft, Bungay, Halesworth and Leiston.

There will be stands at the following locations between 10am and 3pm;

Monday, November 30 – Bungay Co-op

Tuesday, December 1 – Halesworth Co-op

Monday,December 7– Leiston Co-op

Wednesday, December 9 – Asda Lowestoft

There will also be an unstaffed stand at Lowestoft College on December 7, 8 and 9 to allow people to pick up leaflets, information and useful contacts.

In addition, last week was International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and highlighted the White Ribbon campaign to tackle domestic abuse in Suffolk.

Det Insp Jim Gooding, said; 'We know that dealing effectively with domestic abuse requires a concerted multi-agency approach and we do not underestimate how difficult it can be for people to speak out about being a victim.

'Abuse is a hidden issue and includes everything from controlling behaviour to physical violence. Help and advice is available from a number of sources and we need to encourage more people to speak out to break the cycle. You are not alone – help is a phone call away.'

Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, said: 'It is a sad reflection on our society that domestic abuse and domestic violence is so prevalent. It is an appalling crime; it ruins the lives of victims and has a devastating impact on their families, particularly as children suffer the consequences as well.'

? For help and advice you can contact police by dialling 101, the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 200 0247 or visit our website www.suffolk.police.uk/safetyadvice/domesticabuse.aspx