HUNDREDS of "silent victims" of domestic, racial and homophobic abuse are going unreported.

Police are trying to encourage more victims of hate crime and domestic violence to come forward.

Officers estimate up to 40 per cent of hate crimes - racist or homophobic attacks - in Oxfordshire are not being reported.

There were about 200 hate crimes reported to police last year - half caused by drink-fuelled trouble and violence.

On average police receive about ten reports of domestic abuse every day, but officers fear it is only the tip of the iceberg.

Oxford police commander Supt Brendan O'Dowda said: "In terms of hate crime and domestic violence, there is a lot more going on which is not being reported.

"At the moment it is just the tip of the iceberg and victims do not need to suffer in silence."

He added he would welcome a rise in reports this year because it would mean police were persuading more people to come forward.

Domestic abuse has increased by more than six per cent over the past year.

Det Chief Insp Chris Sharp, Thames Valley Police crime manager for Oxfordshire, said although more victims were coming forward, officers were now aiming to tackle repeat offenders.

He said: "Domestic abuse is a cowardly act. It is more than only assault, it can be other elements such as emotional abuse.

"Police are committed to supporting victims regardless of their age, gender, colour or background."

Police can also prosecute if the victim does not want to press charges by taking pictures of injuries and interviewing neighbours, Mr Sharp added.

He said police would help victims find new homes and solve problems of access to children by working with other authorities.

Police estimate up to 80 - between 30 and 40 per cent - of victims or witnesses to racist and homophobic crimes every year are reluctant to come forward.

Det Insp Simon Morton said: "We don't have gangs running around causing problems and being racist.

"But we estimate between 30 and 40 per cent of hate crimes go unreported.

"Almost half of all hate crimes are committed during the night time, and we need these people to come forward."

Domestic abuse should be reported to police on the 999 emergency number or 08458 505505 inquiry number.

Witnesses to racist or homophobic crimes can report direct to police or at www.reportracismoxon.com

Alternatively, contact the Oxfordshire Racial Equality Council on 01865 791891 or the Homophobic Awareness Liaison Team on 0165 243389.