ONE in four Dorset women will suffer from domestic violence during their lifetime, according to shocking new figures.

Supporting victims costs the county a staggering £15 million every year and in the Bournemouth police division alone abuse in the home accounts for a quarter of all recorded violent crime.

Latest statistics show that women still tend to suffer in silence and do not seek help until they have been attacked more than 30 times.

Dorset police figures released earlier this year revealed that domestic violence had risen by more than 70 per cent.

Roni Jones, the Daily Echo's agony aunt and Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Relate centre manager, said: "New statistics show that one in four women in Dorset will be a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lifetime.

"Responding to local incidents costs £15 million. That figure doesn't include the cost of hospitalisation or murder trials.

"Nationally, on average, there are two domestic violence-related murders every week with police receiving 1,300 calls a day from women who are being abused and 570,000 calls for help every year. Eighty-one per cent of victims are women.

"As well as the huge social cost, the emotional cost is enormous with the majority of children witnessing their mothers being beaten up.

"In nine out of ten cases children hear what is happening from another room and in 10 per cent of cases they actually see sexual violence.

"We are becoming increasingly intolerant of domestic violence and more people are now seeking help from police, social services, Relate and other organisations.

"The big message is that there is support available and our main aim is to keep survivors and their children together.

"Next year we are also planning to work with perpetrators of domestic violence but we need to raise about £205,000 a year to fund that work."

As part of a nationwide campaign, the Bournemouth Community Safety Partnership is promoting a 24-hour helpline service in the resort.

Domestic violence stickers are being displayed in every public toilet in Bournemouth and numerous pubs, clubs, hairdressing salons and taxi firms are also expected to follow suit.

Community safety project co-ordinator Zoe Brimmell said: "Domestic violence is a major issue but still a taboo subject. Anyone can experience domestic violence. It can happen in all kinds of relationships and for any reason.

"It is rarely a one-off event. If you are being threatened or physically or sexually assaulted by someone you live with you are a victim of domestic violence.

"It may include destructive criticism, pressure tactics, disrespect and harassment.

"Victims can take the first step by calling the local 24-hour helpline on 01202 547755."