POLICE in Rotherham are now receiving a dozen complaints every day about domestic violence, shock new figures today reveal.
Between April 2003 and March 2004 police logged more than 4,000 incidents - with hundreds of victims having to be moved to a special refuge.
And nearly a quarter of applications to Rotherham Council's homeless section were from victims of domestic v
iolence.
But police, probation workers and council officials fear many women are still too afraid to report that they are being abused.
Next month Rotherham will host a domestic violence awareness day in a bid to make more local people aware of just how serious the problem is.
People working with victims of domestic violence are even to set up shop in the town's market as part of the high-profile initiative.
Mayor Hilda Jack - who will host the awareness day - said: "Domestic violence can take many forms from physical assault to verbal abuse or harassment and affects families regardless of social group, age, race or sexuality.
"In Rotherham we are working hard to make sure that support is available to anyone who experiences domestic violence.
"It is vital that people know where they can get the help they need." The awareness day and market stall are part of Rotherham Council's new Domestic Violence policy - which includes staff being given guidelines on how to deal with domestic violence cases.
A spokeswoman for Rotherham's Corporate Domestic VIolence Working Group said: "Domestic violence is a problem which leaves victims and families devastated.
"But most incidents are still not reported.
"Domestic violence accounts for a quarter of all reported violent crime and has more repeat victims than any other crime.
"It should be thought more as systematic abuse rather than a series of separate incidents.
"Nationally two women are killed every week by men they know, and it has been identified as the main cause of maternal deaths.
"There is also significant links with child abuse, both physical and sexual.
"We are continuing to work with our partners to help the victims."
As part of the awareness day the training company 'Aftathought' will put on a play highlighting the problems associated with domestic violence.
Anyone wanting advice on domestic violence can ring a special helpline on 0808 2000 247.
