POLICE in Mid-Kent have made significant progress in dealing with domestic abuse incidents, according to figures just revealed.

From April 30 2006 to April 31 2007, they achieved the highest arrest rate in proportion to incidents in the county.

Detection rates for domestic abuse were also above average at around 53 per cent compared to the force average of 50.5 per cent.

Thanks to a dedicated drive, fewer people suffered repeat incidents over a two-year period from April 30 2005 to March 31 2006.

Det Insp Trevor Lawry, from the Public Protection Unit, said: "We are continuing to work closely with our partners to ensure that the residents of Swale see the benefit of a multi agency approach to domestic abuse. Real improvements are being made in a way that should allow victims of domestic abuse to feel safe and supported in reporting incidents and we encourage anybody who is suffering domestic abuse to contact us."

If you need to contact the police about a domestic abuse incident, call officers at Sittingbourne police station on 01795 477055, alternatively you can contact the National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.