The number of domestic violence incidents reported to police in Preston has risen by 14% in the last three months – and the rise is being blamed on the credit crunch.
There were 830 logged incidents of domestic violence in Preston during this period, compared to 727 during the previous quarter.
Latest figures also show there were 2,325 people claiming unemployment benefit in Preston – a year-on-year increase of 6%.
The link between domestic violence and hard economic times is not new, according to Preston Women's Refuge director Valerie Wise.
She said: "People are seeing rising prices of food and fuel and energy and it is one of the factors that contributes to domestic violence.
"We have done some research and found stories in the UK and America that report a similar trend."
But a senior police officer said that the increase shows that the police are doing their job.
Det Insp Steve Hobson, of Preston's Public Protection Unit, said: "We actually find it encouraging where we do see a rise in the number of incidents of domestic violence as it means more people are reporting these incidents to police.
"We are working hard to make sure people are better educated about the issue by increasing the number of campaigns which promote domestic abuse helplines.
"Our colleagues in the voluntary sector, who spend time with domestic abuse victims, are also working hard to encourage them to speak out."
The news comes as work on Preston's new Women's Refuge gets under way.
The new unit – at a secret location – will house more women and their children in safe accommodation than the city has ever been able to do before.
The £2m building will have 15 self contained units and should be ready for use in 2010.
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