"Domestic abuse in any form is unacceptable"
Devon and Cornwall's Police and Crime Commissioner is responding to rise a reports in the last year
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall is reminding victims of domestic violence that help is available 24 hours a day.
It comes as new figures show a rise in reports over the past 12 months, and as former Kasabian singer - Tom Meighan - spoke candidly about assaulting his partner earlier this year.
Alison Hernandez said abuse in any form is "unacceptable", but that it was "refreshing to hear his openness and honesty".
Meighan received an 18-month community order for the offence and was told to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work. The attack also saw him fired from the band.
Recent figures show that across Devon and Cornwall, victims of domestic abuse increased by 5.5% to a total of 21,286 in the 12 months to September 2020.
Commissioner Hernandez said:
"Last month Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were awarded £417,395 from central Government - topped up by a further £215,959 from my office - to work with the perpetrators of domestic abuse.
"This multi-agency project will work with perpetrators of domestic abuse as well as their families with the aim of breaking the cycle of violence and helping people identify how they can change.
"This kind of work may be a taboo talking point, but we must get over that and recognise that if we want to create a better, safer society, breaking the cycle of criminality is an integral cog of that machine."
If you or anyone you know has been experiencing domestic violence, help is at hand 24 hours a day in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly:
Plymouth Service - 0800 458 2558 or sanctuary-supported-living.com
Cornwall Service - 0300 777 4777 or firstlight.org.uk
Devon Service - 0345 155 1074 or splitz.org
Torbay Service - 0800 916 1474 or sanctuary-supported-living.com
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247
Victim Support 24/7 - 0808 1689 111 or live chat at victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Care Unit - 01392 476900
Those affected by crime who would like practical and emotional support, which could include referrals to Circles South West and Make Amends should contact the Victim Care Unit on 01392 476900 or online at victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk.