A MOBILE pod is the latest move by Suffolk Police to help victims of domestic violence speak up.Because more people are reporting this crime – thanks largely to greater public awareness – figures have gone up.

A MOBILE pod is the latest move by Suffolk Police to help victims of domestic violence speak up.

Because more people are reporting this crime – thanks largely to greater public awareness – figures have gone up.

But victims should not suffer in silence – because Suffolk Police say support is available and people should be assured that incidences of domestic violence are treated extremely seriously.

There were 534 reported incidents in Suffolk between April and June 2002, resulting in 195 arrests. Between July and Sept 2002, the rates had risen to 724 reported incidents and 292 arrests.

A police spokesman said: "People are becoming aware, and increasingly confident, in the police's ability to deal with incidents of domestic violence. "We treat cases extremely seriously and as such more people are coming forward to report incidents."

WPc Becky Stocking, a dedicated officer for domestic violence, will be manning the pod on Market Hill, Brandon today

People can drop in for confidential advice, support or just for a chat, and if successful, the pod could be used at other locations across Suffolk.

WPc Stocking said people are still generally unaware of the support which is out there for victims.

But she said: "People are getting to be a lot more confident about coming forward and are less embarrassed. That is good because people should speak about it."

Police work in partnership with agencies including victim support, the Home Office and the Women Kind charity.