A PODCAST offering help and advice to victims of domestic abuse and those around them launched on Saturday.

Detective Inspector Alan Page, from the force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit (DAISU), talks about the support available to victims and the effect of domestic abuse on the people around them, especally children.

The podcast is part of the #getclosertochristmas ‘Dear Santa’ campaign to encourage victims to come forward.

In December 2011, the force received 1,070 domestic related calls compared to 963 the previous month.

Det Insp Page said: “Christmas is a time to celebrate but it can also be a stressful time for people with financial pressures and people spending more time together.

“This can lead to an increase in reports of domestic incidents and for the children living within these families it is an extremely upsetting time of year when all they want is the abuse against their dad, mum or guardian to stop.”

Over the festive period officers from the force’s dedicated DAISU have been on hand to deal with domestic abuse reports.

The unit, which launched in April, has specially trained officers who work closely with partner agencies to ensure victims have the support and help they need,

They have charged 746 people and cautioned 172 in relation to domestic abuse crimes.

Det Insp Lorraine Parker said: “Domestic abuse is a priority for the force and we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice, while ensuring victims and their families have the necessary support.

“The purpose of the DAISU is to reduce the risk to victims of domestic abuse.”

Useful contact numbers:

Cambridgeshire police - 101

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 0808 2000 247

Women’s Aid and Refuge; National Helpline – 0800 2000 247

Men’s advice line – 0808 801 0327

Every Man project – 0207 263 8884

Childline – 0800 11 11

NSPCC – www.nspcc.org.uk