POLICE in Bury investigate around 4,500 domestic abuse incidents each year.

The figures were revealed at a meeting of Ramsbottom Local Area Partnership last week and nationally it is estimated that two thirds of victims do not even go to the police.

More than £87 million is spent tackling the crime in the borough each year, including funding the cost of policing, court cases and healthcare.

According to the figures, around 300 children a year are subject to protection investigations and several hundred more come under “concern for welfare” checks.

Half of the youngsters under child protection in Bury are registered because of domestic abuse.

Nationally it is estimated most women leave it seven years before reporting abuse, with an average of 35 incidents before they do so. They make up 90 per cent of victims, with 10 per cent being male.

The figures also showed that there are around 120 serious sexual assaults, including rapes, and about 100 investigations into abuse of the elderly in Bury each year.

Most abuse is committed by a family member and includes sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse.

Detective Inspector Jane Little, who heads the public protection unit, told the meeting held at Ramsbottom Cvic Hall, that police were working hard to tackle the issues.

She said: “It’s very serious and can obviously be upsetting and distressing but we strive to put offenders away behind bars so they can’t commit more offences.

“We have trained all staff in Bury to ensure they are able to recognise signs of abuse.

“It is important we work together with social, health, education services to identify these victims and get them the right help and support.”

Det Insp Little added “The figures do appear to be high, but are similar to other areas and Bury is one of the safest boroughs.”