In Preston alone the figure was 2,356 and, of those, 15% of the victims were men.

Of the 2,356 incidents 334 were repeat offenders.

But, sometimes, it is too late by the time the police get involved.

The first they may know about the abuse is the 999 call to say someone has been seriously injured or even killed.

Det Chief Insp Tony Bolton, who is the lead officer on domestic violence for Lancashire Police, urged anyone who knows of anyone suffering abuse to tell someone.

He said: "By engaging with people earlier we can, perhaps, nip it in the bud as a relatively low level incident.

"For people living in that situation they have to accept and acknowledge things aren't right, I'm not living in a normal relationship, and do something about it.

"Often, by the time the police get involved, it's too late. We are just picking up the pieces, literally.

"A lot of that dysfunctional stage could be worked through at an early stage."

Incidents of domestic violence cover a whole range of circumstances, including physical, sexual, psychological and financial control.

DC Bolton added: "We would appeal for people who are neighbours, friends, family, that they have to do something about it. It's not good just sitting in silence.

"If you know someone living in hell, tell."

Between April 2004 and March 2005 there were 2,570 incidents domestic violence incidents in Preston reported to police, of which 383 were male victims.

The year before there were 2,399 incidents and of those 387 were male victims.

Lancashire Constabulary's website has a section dedicated to domestic violence.

Visit www.lancashire.police.uk