A domestic abuse sufferer in Kent is welcoming a new policing partnership that will mean help is at hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Kent Police and the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) are promoting a new helpline to give victims access to legal representation that can end the cycle of abuse.

The NCDV gives the advice free and helps victims obtain court non-molestation orders - also known as injunctions - to protect them from their abusers.

An injunction stops a violent or abusive partner or ex-partner from using or threatening violence.

A 28-year-old domestic abuse victim in Kent said: “My husband began to get violent when I fell pregnant with our first child and this continued when our second child was born.

“The violence got worse, so I left him and went into a refuge. This was a great relief but when I got my own place he found out where I was and started coming to the house pestering me.

“I finally plucked up the courage to get an injunction and from then on everything was done through solicitors. I felt more secure with the injunction in place because it told him in a legal way not to do certain things and if he continued it would be likely he would go to prison. It also meant the police could arrest him.

“I would recommend that people in this position consider getting an injunction.”

Kent Police Ch Supt Lee Catling said: “Officers of Kent Police and in particular the Public Protection Units will be able to refer victims to the NCDV for advice, which will help them start to rebuild their lives free from violence and abuse. The partnership means police officers will be able to help victims seek free legal advice quickly.

“It is a criminal offence to breach non-molestation orders and Kent Police will arrest anyone breaching court orders.”

NCDV's chief executive officer Steve Connor said: “Domestic violence is a cowardly crime.

“By standing together, we will send out a message that this horrific crime will not be tolerated and that we will work to bring abusers to justice.”

For free legal advice on what do to about domestic abuse, call 08709 220704 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or visit www.ncdv.org.uk