A woman subjected to 16 years of domestic violence has teamed up with police to help others who are abused by their partners.

Eccleshill Division's new domestic violence unit is now benefiting from the experience of 34-year-old Jane.

Jane, not her real name to protect her identity, has started a ten-week placement with the unit from college and is hoping to continue her work with the officers when it ends. She spent 16 years being mentally and physically terrorised by her husband.

The unit - part of the community safety unit - is made up of two dedicated officers, appointed last year to tackle domestic violence, which makes up a third of all violent crime nationally.

Community Safety Officer Sergeant Paul Jeffrey said: "Domestic violence is a high priority crime, but one that is often difficult to combat as many of the offences take place behind closed doors.

"Jane gives a valuable perspective to the unit. She is able to empathise with the victims of abuse, which the unit comes into contact with on a daily basis and see things from their point of view."

Sgt Jeffrey stressed that the unit takes a focused and hard-hitting approach. He said: "This is not just about tea and sympathy. We offer support to the victim as well as proactive enforcement.

"We will lock up offenders where necessary and seek to change patterns of behaviour."

Last year there were 290 recorded assaults in Eccleshill - 96 of which were domestic related. A woman may suffer violence up to 35 times before she reports an incident to police.

Jane is working with DC Keith Taylor and PC Julie Slater, offering practical help and advice to people caught in abusive relationships and to heighten awareness of the problem.

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