By the time you've read this story three women will have been attacked by their partners.

Now Kent police are redoubling their efforts to combat domestic violence, as part of their Safer Spring campaign.

And now it's even more likely for pressures in the home to reach boiling point - with stress and money worries heightening in the financial climate.

That, combined with spending more time at home rather than going out, to save money, can lead to a ticking timebomb of violence.

Kent Police works with other agencies, including local authorities, the NHS, and support groups, in order to prevent domestic abuse, and to offer help and advice to victims.

Detective Constable Rachel Freeman, domestic abuse officer from Kent Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: "We are aware that at times of heightened stress, incidents of domestic violence can increase.

"There are no excuses for domestic abuse and all incidents should be reported to the police. We treat all incidents very seriously and Kent Police works hard to offer advice and support to victims."

The message to potential victims is no-one should suffer.

The police have a number of specific domestic abuse officers, who can help and advise anyone who makes contact.

Factfile

• One in four women nationwide, and one in six men, will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime.*

• Every minute an incident of domestic violence is reported to the police.**

• Kent Police and the National Centre for Domestic Violence (http://www.ncdv.org.uk/) are working together to provide all victims of domestic abuse in Kent and Medway with free legal advice 24-hours-a-day, all-year-round.

For free legal advice, victims can call 0844 8044 999 or 08009 702070.

Other useful helpline numbers:

National Domestic Violence helpline 0808 2000247

Kent Domestic Abuse Information Line is 0845 6036813

Male Advice Line, specifically for men affected by domestic abuse 0808 801 0327

Respect, which gives advice and help to offenders, as well as families and professionals, 0845 122 8609

Karma Nirvana, an organisation supporting victims of forced marriage and honour-based violence, 0800 5 999 247