VICTIMS of domestic violence are being urged not to suffer in silence and to speak out this Valentine’s Day.

John Dwyer, the police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, has pledged his support to victims of domestic abuse as Cheshire Constabulary launches its ‘Speak Out, Don’t Be Silent’ campaign this week.

Police across the borough will be specially trained to help victims of all ages to speak out about domestic violence, and will be working closely with voluntary organisations and council departments to tackle the issue and provide a lifeline to victims.

Mr Dwyer, who is also supporting the national Home Office domestic abuse campaign ‘This Is Abuse’, said being a victim of abuse was a traumatic experience no matter if it happened during a teenage or an adult relationship.

“I praise the work that Cheshire Constabulary and the Home Office are doing to raise the awareness of domestic abuse in relationships and hope it encourages more young people to come forward,” said Mr Dwyer, who will appoint a youth ambassador to deliver key messages to teenagers across the borough.

The Home Office campaign is working on targeting domestic abuse in teenage relationships, by urging young people to change their lives and put a stop to either being in an abusive relationship or stop being a perpetrator of abuse.

Mr Dwyer added: “Young people are a very important part of our communities. I hope that both of the campaigns that are running will encourage young people to report violent partners or recognise that some of their behaviour toward their partner is abusive.”