Every hour police in Suffolk receive a new report of domestic abuse.

And officers are taking action to tackle this devastating crime by backing the White Ribbon campaign, an international drive to end male violence against women and girls.

Suffolk Constabulary has issued 1,000 white ribbons to its staff as a visual sign of support for the important initiative, which started on November 25 and runs until December 10.

Detective Superintendent Eamonn Bridger said: 'White Ribbon is opportunity to work with other organisations, to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence, sending a strong message that it will not be tolerated or condoned in any way.'

Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore has invested more than £2m in domestic abuse support services in the county since he was elected.

He said: 'Domestic abuse 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. No-one should have to live with the fear of violence or controlling behaviour, especially not at home.'

Mr Passmore added: 'It is crucially important that victims have the confidence and support they need to report domestic violence and I hope the focus of the White Ribbon campaign will give those suffering abuse the confidence to speak out.'

Suffolk had the highest proportion of people experiencing domestic abuse in the country from 2013 to 2016, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Reports to Suffolk Constabulary about domestic abuse have increased by a quarter since 2013. It had 9,600 reports last year – more than one every hour.

The aim of the White Ribbon campaign is to empower men to play a part in the fight to end violence against women and girls.

Sally Winston, chief executive of charity Lighthouse Women's Aid said: 'It's so important that men stand up against this epidemic, not only to denounce such behaviour as abhorrent but also to show that actually, despite the statistics, there are good men out there who understand the meaning of respect and want to show it.'

Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Town Football Club, Suffolk Sport and Suffolk Football Association are also backing the White Ribbon campaign.