A new campaign aims to offer a greater level of support to victims suffering domestic abuse this Christmas.

Special drop-in centres are being introduced in Trafford, for the first time, to encourage people not to suffer in silence.

Two venues - the Housing Options Office, in Sale Waterside and Broomwood Housing Office, on Redbrook Road, in Timperley - will be open on six special dates between now and the New Year.

Statistics reveal that there is a domestic abuse related call to police in the UK every 20 seconds and victims suffer an average of 35 attacks before seeking help says Det Insp Andrew Ross, who is leading Trafford's campaign.

He explained: "At certain times of the year like Christmas, we are aware that incidents of domestic abuse increase.

"This can be for a number of reasons including the fact that families spend more time together, have more financial and emotional pressures and drink more alcohol."

He added: "We understand that victims may be reluctant to report such offences and seek advice for many reasons, including that they don't feel comfortable visiting a police station or having an officer visit their home.

"We hope the drop-in centres will provide a more neutral venue for them to do this."

Domestic abuse accounts for nearly a quarter of all violent crime and affects men and women of all ages and backgrounds.

Anyone who is unable to attend one of the drop-in centres or contact the police, can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

*The drop-in-centre's will be running on the following dates, between 10am and 2pm: Housing Options office, Sale Waterside: Monday December 11 Thursday December 14 Tuesday January 2 Thursday January 4 Broomwood Housing Office, 6 Redbrook Road, Timperley: Monday December 18 Thursday December 21