Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged £5m to support victims of domestic violence.

Funded by the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC), the first Pan-London Domestic Violence Service will be launched to help victims of abuse and boost convictions in a renewed commitment to tackle the issue.

The service, which will aid a person's recovery and help them through a court case, has been welcomed by MP for Brentford and Isleworth Mary Macleod.

She said: "It will make a real difference to the lives of domestic abuse victims.

"It is important that we all say very loudly and clearly that domestic abuse should not be tolerated and will not end until we all work together to protect victims and bring justice to those who perpetrate this horrific crime."

Reports of domestic and sexual violence are increasing across the country as more victims gain the confidence to come forward.

New data released by MOPAC showed in the capital there has been a 23% increase in the recording of domestic abuse and a 28% increase in reporting of sexual violence.

The number of perpetrators brought too justice has also improved in the last few years, up 18.6% since 2012, but conviction rates in London remain too low at 12% below the national average.

Victims who do come forward often feel isolated and burdened by the legal system and are left to deal with their case without adequate support.

As a result in 2013, over two-thirds of unsuccessful domestic violence cases at London’s magistrate courts, and almost half at crown court, were a result of evidential problems, most commonly, a witness’ refusal to give evidence in court.

Mr Johnson said: “We've worked hard with the Met to give victims of abuse more confidence to come forward, and I’m glad to see this is happening, but there is still a huge amount to be done.

"This is a horrendous and frightening crime and all victims should have all the support they need, no matter where they live, which this new service will guarantee.

"But we’ve also got to get tough on the perpetrators of abuse by making it very clear that domestic violence in form will not be tolerated and give victims who have the courage to report abuse the support they need to get the justice they deserve.”

Until now local aid has been inconsistent, but for the first time victims will have access to specialist support through the Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA), with 40 new advocates, and 16 other support workers.

The service which will be run by a consortia led by Victim Support and include the Safer London Foundation, will encourage reporting and help boost conviction rates by giving victims the confidence they need to face their abusers in court, should they wish to pursue a conviction.

Police, local authorities, Crown Prosecution Service and voluntary organisations will work together to provide victims practical and emotional support and help them to access housing, financial support, counselling and healthcare as well as guiding them through the criminal justice process.

They will also focus on supporting more victims from under-reported BME (Black Minority Ethnic) communities to come forward and report abuse.

Jeff Gardner, Director for London for the charity Victim Support, said: "Being chosen by the Mayor to run this new service for domestic violence victims in London recognises our expertise and track record of delivering innovative local services.

"We're working with partners across the capital so that vulnerable people get the help they so desperately need.

"Victim Support offers practical support and advice to domestic violence victims and helps get families get to safety.

"Our expert team can support them through giving statements to the police and testifying in court, if they want to press charges against their abuser.”

On Thursday (March 12) Ms Macleod will be leading a backbench business debate in Parliament on violence against women and girls as part of the House of Common’s recognition of International Women’s Day, which falls on Sunday (March 8).