THE plight of victims of domestic abuse will be highlighted on television this week.

A Northumbria Police campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse took place throughout December and last month, when higher levels of stress, debt and alcohol can trigger violence in relationships.

North East Tonight has been speaking to Northumbria officers, victims, families, support workers and a perpetrator for its Behind Closed Doors series on ITV1.

Figures show that about one in four women experiences domestic abuse and that every week two women are murdered by their partners or ex-partners.

Presenter Fiona Armstrong said the issue is important and should be in the public eye.

“I’ve been shocked,” said Ms Armstrong. “Firstly, at how widespread it is and, secondly, at some of the attitudes to it – ‘it doesn’t matter, it’s just a slap’, ‘oh he didn’t mean it, he loves me really’.

“It’s a lack of control and respect. It’s frightening to think that women are enduring it, and children are seeing it. The message is, get help and get out.”

The programme will feature 45-year-old Linda Styles whose former partner was jailed for nine months for assault.

“The police have been absolutely brilliant with us, they’ve been with us from the beginning until now and they’ve said they’ll carry on their support,” she said.

Mother-of-one Nicola Morrin, 26, was murdered at her home in Newcastle, in 2008, by on-off boyfriend Stephen Newton, who is now behind bars.

Her parents, Jeanette and Bobby, will take part in the show.

“She thought it was love,”

said Mrs Morrin. “To me, if someone hits you, it’s not love. I don’t think I’ll ever understand why she kept going back.”

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Barton, of the force’s protection unit, said 3,343 incidents of domestic violence were reported during the campaign.

Although this is 110 fewer than last year, referrals to support services increased from 688 to 952 and 1,612 people were contacting the police for the first time.

Det Chief Insp Barton said: “The increase in first-time reports hopefully means that people are becoming more confident about coming forward.

“It’s important to stress that although the campaign has ended, the support we offer to victims is ongoing.”

Behind Closed Doors will air all week on ITV1 at 6pm.