"For the first time the crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is appealing to the public to give information they may have about domestic abuse of a loved one, colleague or neighbour.

Domestic abuse is under reported nationally and Crimestoppers aims to encourage friends, neighbours and the extended family of victims to break the silence and call the independent charity anonymously if this is happening to someone they know.

John Rennie, Chair of Warwickshire Crimestoppers said "The abuse of another person is totally unacceptable. Everyone has the right to feel safe. The statistics tell the story of this hidden crime as two women a week and 30 men a year are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales. The fact that domestic abuse accounts for a 35% of all murders is another alarming statistic. It's not all about physical violence though, abuse can be emotional, financial or sexual too."

Please don't let your friend, neighbour or family become a statistic. Due to changes in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, victims now have increased protection available to them. Your information can now play a more prominent role in building a prosecution case around domestic abuse, due to changes in legislation.

This means that Crimestoppers can now play a more active role in asking for information from friends, neighbours and family, as the caller can remain anonymous and their information can play an important role in getting offenders prosecuted.

"You could really help, even by reporting information anonymously" said John Rennie

Crimestoppers piloted domestic abuse campaigns asking for third party information in West Mercia, West Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire during last year's 16 days of action. The pilot saw an increase in the number of calls to Crimestoppers and to the local police forces. Following the successful pilot Warwickshire Crimestoppers is encouraging people to call the charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 to pass on information they may have about someone they know is suffering from domestic abuse or someone they know who is doing it.

Lord Ashcroft, KCMG, founder and Chairman of Crimestoppers said: "Many people may still see domestic abuse as a private issue. But it isn't. It is a crime, and just with any other criminal act, information is needed to help make arrests and build prosecution cases. It is vital that people are aware that the information they have on domestic abuse can help bring offenders to justice and safety to the victim. We must help put a stop to it."

John Rennie said: "Domestic abuse is one of the most harrowing crimes; for someone to be physically and mentally abused by someone they love and trust is hard for most people to imagine. These perpetrators must be bought to justice so if you know anyone being abused or that is doing the abusing, please call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to pass on information you may have."

Sue Ingram of Warwickshire County Council said "Christmas is a time for families to spend enjoying time together. Unfortunately for some families Christmas is not a happy time but there is help available.

"Not everyone feels comfortable calling the police and that's where the charity Crimestoppers can really help because calls to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 are anonymous.

"Over half of victims tell a friend or relative - three times higher than telling police or a medical professional. Crimestoppers is providing a third option - you can call them anonymously."

During December we are expecting to see a 33% increase in domestic abuse incidents reported to the police.

It is now much more socially acceptable to report domestic abuse than it ever has been. At some time in their lives 1 out of every 4 women and 1 out of 6 men will be affected by domestic abuse"