Victims of domestic violence are being urged not to suffer in silence as reported incidents continue to rise during Covid restrictions.
Merseyside Police said there had been an increase in reports of domestic abuse of 10.4 per cent - equivalent to 18,782 victims - between April 1 and November 30 2020, compared to the same period the year before.
But there is likely to be far more victims suffering in silence as such crimes are known to be under-reported.
Assistant Chief Consable Ian Critchley said: "This year particularly has been challenging for everyone, but for victims of domestic abuse who are suffering from continued cruelty and violence it must be intolerable.
"For abusers it is easier for them to coerce or physically abuse their victims, who are probably feeling more isolated and alone than they would under normal circumstances.
"And I can't stress enough that if home is not a safe place for you then we want you to know that you are not alone and you do not have to stay at home if it is not safe to be there."
A raft of measures are now in place to help victims of domestic abuse get the help they need.
If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to police then cough, or tap, the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance and we will provide support.
There is also a new scheme called "Ask for Ani" which gives victims an opportunity to reach out for help at pharmacies, including Boots, without making their situation obvious to other members of the public, or alerting their abuser.
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Victims who ask for Ani at pharmacy counters will be taken by a staff member to a private space where they can be put in touch with the police, support services and helplines.
ACC Critchley added: "I want to appeal to family, friends and neighbours who strongly suspect that someone is being subjected to domestic abuse to tell us, or to urge their loved ones to make the right decision for their own safety and peace of mind.
"Domestic abuse is a complex issue and can take many forms including psychological, financial, sexual, emotional and physical. Alcohol and drugs are never the root cause of domestic abuse, nor can they ever be used to justify it.
"Every domestic incident is unique and the background to each one can be very complex, it is not just people who are married/in a relationship, domestic abuse can be a child on a parent and vice versa and we don't deal solely with female victims. As a result we use the right specialist resources whenever we can so that the victims of this abhorrent and under-reported crime are protected and their needs are put first.
"Protecting our most vulnerable communities is one of the force's priorities and we realise that being able to support and advise victims of domestic abuse has never been more important that it is now."
