Victims of domestic abuse or those worried that someone may be suffering in silence will now be able to access an out of hours helpline.

The joint initiative between Wiltshire Council and Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service will ensure people can get access to help and support any time of the day or night.

Wiltshire Council has supported the initiative with the out of hours helpline being available to cover evenings, weekends and bank holidays from 5pm to 9am.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for public health and protection said: "We are serious about tackling domestic abuse and no one should suffer in silence.

“This is why we are investing in this service which means we have 24/7 cover in Wiltshire and people can reach out and access that support.

"We ask residents to be our eyes and ears in our communities and contact us if they have any concerns. Domestic abuse affects families and we know children suffer as a result. We are all having to live in very challenging times but the support is still out there."

The helpline number is 01793 610 610 and works to complement the Splitz Support Service which currently runs through the working week from 8am to 5pm on 01225 775276