Operation Cranberry

The Force-wide response has seen officers respond to increased domestic violence - up a third over this Christmas and New Year period (December 16 to January 4) compared to the same period last year.

There were 648 incidents across East Sussex compared to 2007/8 when there were 479 - an increase of 35 percent.

Some offenders have already been charged with offences of violence to their partners and others are still under investigation.

Dedicated patrol cars, which were first piloted in East Sussex, provided prompt responses to domestic violence incidents, with officers equipped with video cameras to secure vital evidence.

DS Wendy Vodrey, Specialist Investigations Branch, said: "Domestic violence is always treated as a priority by Sussex Police but due to the regular increase in incidents over the Christmas and New Year period it is vital we have adequate resources to manage and respond to the increased calls for urgent help.

"Early attendance by police officers using video cameras increases the chance of gaining quality evidence, and not just relying on the victim's word against their abuser.

"This is only one of the domestic abuse initiatives currently being trialed and developed in Sussex to reduce abusive behaviour and make victims and their children safer."

Supporting efforts to tackle domestic violence in Sussex, the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is appealing to the public to give information they may have about domestic violence abuse of a loved one, colleague or neighbour. Third party information can now play a more prominent role in building a prosecution case around domestic violence, due to changes in legislation.

To pass on information contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. There is no risk to the anonymity of the caller.