The emergency services joined forces in a campaign today with NHS Tayside and voluntary and support agencies that work directly with people who are being abused.

“We don’t want people to turn a blind eye to domestic abuse,” Ms Wilson said.

“We want people to come forward and report it. Tayside Police want to see a safe, fair and just environment for all of the communities we serve. Eradicating domestic abuse is a key part of delivering that.

“We know that domestic abuse blights lives, destroys opportunities and excludes people from society in many ways. Children are deeply affected by domestic abuse.

“Not only are many traumatised by what they witness, but there is also a strong link between domestic violence and child abuse.

“Tayside Police treat all domestic violence as a serious crime and understand it causes pain, suffering and distress to victims and their families.

“We realise that reporting domestic violence is often difficult and traumatic and, if you are a victim, we will do everything we can to support you. There are a number of partner and support agencies in the Tayside area who can also provide help and advice.”

Every year, men are urged to wear a white ribbon around November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Police will be encouraged to wear the ribbon on their uniforms and they will be available to the public at police stations across Tayside.

Julia Egan, consultant in public health nursing with NHS Tayside, said, “The white ribbon campaign is a way for men to demonstrate their lack of tolerance of any form of violence.”

Garry Brown, watch manager at Tayside Fire and Rescue Service, said men could make a difference by resolving not to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

“By making this pledge we are ultimately working to protect all of the women who are important to us,” he said. “As men, we can work together to end domestic violence.”

A series of events highlighting the problem of domestic abuse is taking place in Dundee.

A full programme is available at irina.pelc@dundeecity.gov.uk

—— The Fife campaign against domestic abuse was launched in Glenrothes today.

Led by the Fife Domestic and Sexual Abuse Partnership, frontline members of all three emergency services will wear white ribbons.

Sergeant Jim Leishman said an increase in reports of abuse indicated more victims had the confidence to come forward. He said abusers had often grown up in violent homes themselves.

“By educating children that this behaviour is wrong, we can try to break the cycle,” he said.