REPORTS of domestic violence in Bury have increased by 16 per cent in the past three years.

The latest figures show that, between April, 2008, and March this year, there were 4,476 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police, with 2,695 of those involving repeat victims.

That is an increase of 608 from the previous year, when 3,868 incidents were reported to the police, of which 2,180 were repeat victims.

Around 7,100 adults across the borough are believed to experience domestic violence each year, but many cases are not reported. Nationally, one in four women and one in six men are victims of domestic abuse.

Detective Sergeant Tanya Kitchen, head of the Bury police domestic violence unit, said: “While the increase in incidents of domestic violence may look dramatic, the statistics indicate an increased willingness of victims to report incidents. This shows that victims have confidence that their experiences will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and seriousness.

“Greater Manchester Police has also highlighted the issue of domestic violence through a series of high-profile media campaigns, which reinforces the message that domestic abuse is not acceptable under any circumstances and victims need to come forward to report it to us, not only for themselves but for the sake of their children.”

Specialist investigators at Bury’s domestic violence unit offer victims support from the initial report throughout the whole process.