THE number of domestic violence and abuse victims in Herefordshire receiving help from a specialist organisation has more than trebled this year.

Statistics released by West Mercia's police and crime commissioner (PCC) show a significant increase in the number of victims who are now being referred to the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV).

The figures show that, in the first 10 months of 2014 a total of 16 people from the county were referred to the centre by police, compared with a total of five in all of 2013.

PCC Bill Longmore and his deputy, Barrie Sheldon, asked West Mercia Police to forge closer ties with the NCDV – which helps women and men who suffer abuse at home, regardless of their financial situation, by getting fast and free injunctions against their partners.

Events are currently ongoing across the area as part of the national White Ribbon campaign, which pledges to end violence against women.

Mr Longmore, said: "Domestic violence is, unfortunately, something that has become all too common in our society, and it exists in every city, town and village in the country.

"Helping victims and reducing the problem isn’t just about ‘throwing money’ at the situation and hoping it improves though.

It is completely about partnerships working together – local councils, charities, myself, the police, even down to families, friends and neighbours – because we are all fighting for the same thing, and that is to reduce the amount of harm being caused by domestic violence, and this work with the NCDV is a good example of how working together can make a real difference."