Hard hitting posters displaying vital information for victims of domestic abuse are going up across the Hambleton district of the Yorkshire Dales.

As part of its ‘Don’t suffer in silence’ campaign, the district’s Community Safety Partnership is asking all GP surgeries and pubs to put up the notices.

They carry a powerful photo of a fist alongside the message ‘hit me, kick me, punch me, love me’ and contact details of the help lines available to victims.

“We hope to see these posters going up in discreet locations across the district - especially in places where victims are perhaps alone and needing help,” said Hambleton’s Domestic Abuse Officer, Linda Ashman.

“We want to reach people who are vulnerable and have been unable to ask for help - many victims don’t want to leave the relationship, they just want the abuse to stop. Some feel ashamed and believe it is their fault, are scared of the future and worry about money and how they will cope on their own. Others don’t know where to go and some even believe it is better to stay for the sake of the children.

“These support centres can help them. They will be taken seriously and given accessible options to make themselves and their children safe or to leave the relationship”

Anyone needing help should call Outreach Support on 07971 489187 or 0808 2000 247.

• Photo shows Patrice Atkinson of Hutton Rudby surgery which is backing the new campaign