A CAMPAIGN to help festive victims of domestic abuse has been launched across the Hambleton and Richmondshire areas.

The Community Safety Partnership’s Yuletide initiative is giving a new twist to two evergreen Christmas song classics.

Posters and leaflets bearing the words “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas - not an abusive one” and “It’s the most wonderful time of the year - but for some it isn’t” are being distributed across both districts.

The director of the Independent Domestic Abuse Service, Sarah Hill, said: “For most people the festive season is a time filled with fun, family and laughter - but not everyone. For some it is a time for misery with victims living in fear.

“Domestic abuse increases during December – and again in January, often as a result of financial pressures, the stress of Christmas, or excessive alcohol and drug misuse.

“It is crucial that victims know they are not alone, that there is help in the area and people don’t have to suffer in silence. And we must also remember it’s not just victims who are affected by domestic abuse - children in the household are often the forgotten victims of this crime.”

It is believed about a quarter of all women and a sixth of all men encounter some form of domestic abuse within their lives - but only half of the incidents are ever reported to the police.

Ms Hill added: “We want everyone to have a happy Christmas. Anyone who finds themselves in an abusive relationship can contact us for help.”

Contact IDAS on 03000 110 110 for advice and support. Alternatively call North Yorkshire Police by dialling 101 - but in an emergency always dial 999.