WEST Devon Police have stepped up their attempts to tackle the often hidden problem of domestic violence by appointing a new domestic violence officer to cover the West Devon area.

The new specially-trained officer dealing with domestic violence is hoping to raise people?s awareness of the problem.

WPC Dawn McCormick, who took up the post last month, said it made a difference having a dedicated officer based in West Devon, previously the force?s support service for victims of domestic violence was based in Newton Abbot.

WPC McCormick said the role of domestic violence officer was to liaise with the victim and provide any number of the following:

l A readily accessible contact point for the victim

l Information for the victim regarding other agencies and caring groups ? such as Women?s Aid, refuges and Victim Support.

l Providing information about police procedures in matters of domestic violence

l Offer advice and information about criminal and civil courts and proceedings to the victim, and keep them informed of court proceedings and dates, including the final outcome of a court case

WPC McCormick said the picture of domestic violence was not stereotypical and could affect all types of households. She can offer help and support to male victims, to same sex couples and to families where domestic violence is present.

The figures on domestic violence make for chilling reading. More than half the murders in Devon and Cornwall between April 2001-02 were domestic, higher than the national average.

And WPC McCormick said she was keen to encourage victims to come forward at an early stage. On average, a victim is assaulted 35 times before taking the decision to report an incident.

?Not everyone wants to report something to the police, so we can give details of other agencies that can help,? she said.

?We want to increase the number of people who report domestic incidents to us.

?I think because of the rural nature of the area, people might feel more isolated, but they should feel able to come forward.?

WPC McCormick is urging anyone who has experienced domestic violence to feel free to contact her in confidence on 08705 777444 ext 3808 or on 07734 331058. West Devon Women?s Aid outreach project can also be contacted on 01837 55228.