Christmas police patrols in Sussex for domestic abuse
Dedicated police patrols tasked with responding to domestic abuse over Christmas are being rolled out in Sussex.
Sussex Police say there is an increase in reports of violence over the festive season.
Last year officers were called to 758 incidents between 23 December and 2 January.
The patrols will be equipped with body-worn video cameras to help secure evidence for any future prosecution.
Det Sgt Daniel Dugan, from the specialist crime directorate, said: "Victims can be assaulted by their partners or other family members and many of the incidents we have attended in the past have been extremely violent.
"The increase over this period is often down to higher alcohol consumption, combined with families spending more time than usual with each other.
"Early attendance by police officers using video cameras increases the chance of gaining quality evidence, not just relying on the victim's word against their abuser."