IF anyone is still in any doubt about the serious nature of domestic abuse, take a long hard look a the figures we reveal today.
Tens of thousands of incidents including indecent assault, rape and murder – crime doesn't get any more serious than that.
While it may look alarming that cases have gone up by such a high number it is also encouraging as it means more people are prepared to come forward and report abuse when before they would have suffered in silence for years.
It is because domestic violence is being taken far more seriously by police and courts that victims are having the confidence to report crime in the expectation that it will be dealt with.
It is far better to investigate complaints than to be dealing with a murder inquiry, which by then is obviously too late.
The police say third parties can report abuse if the victim is intimidated and living in fear, which means everyone can help combat this blight on our society.
The hard line on domestic abuse of recent years must be continued and the perpetrators brought to justice and made aware their crimes will not go unpunished because they take place behind closed doors.
Domestic abuse is a serious crime and we must all strive to eradicate it from our society.