Sussex Police announced that it has joined forces with a leading domestic violence charity in order to help provide greater assistance to victims.

The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) will play a key role in assisting the Force's efforts to pursue offenders wherever possible.

As part of the link-up, Sussex Police staff will now receive enhanced training on how to tackle domestic abuse. The NCDV's confidential, 24-hour service is also being advertised at police stations and other venues across Sussex via a series of specially commissioned campaign posters.

Speaking at today's launch, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Biglands said:

"Our primary concern remains the protection of victims and we think the NCDV has a great deal to offer. Taking positive action to arrest and prosecute offenders, we will be using the services of the centre and we would encourage victims to do the same.

"Domestic abuse will not be tolerated and we will continue to develop innovative ways to protect the victim and to bring abusers to justice. In so many of these abusive relationships there are children who live with and suffer, directly and indirectly, because of it.

"All Sussex Police staff are to receive enhanced domestic abuse training and I am determined to ensure that domestic violence victims in Sussex are afforded every support. Offenders should take note that they will be pursued on every single occasion possible. The NCDV is a key part of this complete service that aims to put the victim first."

Detective Superintendent Russ Whitfield, who is in charge of domestic abuse investigations for Sussex Police, said:

"Domestic abuse is the most appalling of crimes and Sussex Police is determined to make people feel safe in their own homes. We recognise there are a number of personal issues which affect the impact of domestic abuse and we have been concentrating on linking together the criminal and civil court processes.

"The National Centre for Domestic Violence is able to offer immediate support to victims of domestic abuse free of charge in the civil aspects of the circumstances. In turn this then supports the criminal process and people are made accountable through the criminal court system for their actions.

The NCDV's Chairman, Steve Connor, said:

"The National Centre for Domestic Violence is pleased to announce its new partnership with Sussex Police. For the first time, victims of domestic violence living within Sussex will be able to obtain fast, free legal advice and support through the civil court system - regardless of financial circumstances, age, race, gender or sexuality.

"Domestic violence is a cowardly and horrific crime that affects all sectors of society. We are confident that, by standing together, we will send a message that this crime will not be tolerated any longer and everything will be done to bring any perpetrators to justice."