Posters highlight domestic abuse

There are about 4,000 domestic abuse crimes in the county each year

Dramatic posters are being put up around Derbyshire as part of a week-long campaign to highlight awareness of domestic abuse.

The posters feature a picture of a coffin with a funeral wreath and the message "Hit 52 times - sent flowers only once".

A dedicated response car for domestic abuse at weekends is also being piloted by the force.

Every year there are about 4,000 domestic abuse crimes in the county.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman said: "We suspect that [the figures] only tell half the story.

"This week in part of ongoing work to highlight a crime that can often remain hidden and out of sight.

"We hope the message will be received loud and clear that perpetrators of domestic abuse are not above the law, even if a formal complaint is later dropped."

The campaign is part of Operation Relentless, a two-month drive to tackle alcohol-related disorder and domestic abuse.