REPORTS of domestic violence fell during December and January this year, following a high-profile campaign.

Violence and abuse within the home was down four per cent during the two months compared with the same period last year, according to police figures.

There were 709 incidents of domestic violence recorded across the borough in those two months, when the problem is traditionally at its height, compared with 736 during 2011/12.

Hounslow Council teamed up with the police before Christmas to raise awareness of the issue and encourage victims to come forward.

Councillor Sue Sampson, whose sister was shot dead by her estranged husband in 1976, welcomed the fall in reported incidents but said it was important to continue campaigning.

"The fall in incidents is encouraging but the work will continue. We need to raise awareness of how to report domestic violence, and of the impact it has on people’s lives. One single incident is one too many,” she added.

The council ran a ‘Don’t Break a Heart’ poster campaign over Christmas and the New Year. It also planted a pine tree at the Civic Centre over Christmas as a permanent reminder of the issue and a memorial to those who have suffered or lost loved ones to domestic violence.

Councillor Ed Mayne, cabinet member for community safety, said: “It’s about saying, no matter who you are or your circumstances, violence is unacceptable.”

Refuge opened the world’s first safe house for abused women and children in the borough in 1971 and the domestic violence charity continues to work closely with the council.

The charity’s chief executive Sandra Horley, said: “Domestic violence continues to be a huge issue, despite the recent fall in incidents. Two women are killed every single week by current or former partners in England and Wales. We must keep working hard to protect the vital services that keep women and children safe.

“And we must continue to raise awareness of domestic violence so that victims know where to go for help. Reaching out for support can be the first step towards living a life free from fear.”