THE hidden horrors of domestic violence are being brought under the spotlight as part of a four-year plan to tackle abuse in York and North Yorkshire homes.

As a multi-agency strategy was unveiled at the city’s Guildhall yesterday, Joanne Beilby, Safer York Partnership’s domestic violence co-ordinator for York and Selby, said victims of domestic violence often feel “threatened, intimidated, isolated, vulnerable and controlled by their abusers”.

She said she wanted to raise awareness of the factors which make it difficult for victims to report the abuse.

Ms Beilby said while domestic violence “is destructive and has an enormous negative impact on the victims and families”, it was vital to publicise the issue at this time.

She said: “Problems can especially escalate in the run-up to Christmas.

“People are out drinking more which can lead to domestic violence.

“Also in the current economic position, worries about money can affect relationships and can lead to couples splitting up, whom – because of their financial difficulties – can still be forced to live under the same roof with tensions very high.

“It is all about working together to prevent problems escalating and making people aware of domestic violence.”

The second York and North Yorkshire Domestic Abuse strategy will include contributions from Safer York Partnership, North Yorkshire Police, the criminal justice system and other agencies.

The strategy aims to provide:

• A service recognising and responding to the diverse needs of York and North Yorkshire.

• Developed support for adults and children living with domestic abuse and post-abuse support.

• Improved multi-agency working in handling individual cases.

• Increased awareness of domestic abuse and its impact.

• Work with male and female perpetrators of domestic violence.

Sue Cross, North Yorkshire’s assistant chief constable, said despite successful partnership working, 60 per cent of domestic violence still goes unreported.

She said: “I know that many of the people who do eventually report domestic violence have experienced repeat cases of abuse before they eventually, for whatever reason, pluck up the courage to report it to the police.”

She said domestic violence remains a relatively taboo subject.

“It is still something that happens behind closed doors,” she said. “It is not out in the community in the way it should be.”