Reports of domestic violence are expected to increase in Oxfordshire as a campaign to highlight services available to help victims gets under way.

Nancy Hunt, Oxfordshire County Council's domestic violence response co-ordinator

A new leaflet was launched at a conference on domestic violence at county hall in Oxford on November 19, led by Oxfordshire's newly appointed domestic violence response co-ordinator Nancy Hunt.

It is hoped the leaflet, which lists support services, defines domestic violence and explains what legal solutions are available, will encourage more victims to come forward. It has been translated into seven languages.

More than 1,800 cases of domestic violence have been reported in Oxfordshire so far this year. The numbers are expected to rise further in the run-up to Christmas.

Support workers said they were concerned the latest figures misrepresent the true extent of the problem.

John Farrow, county council executive member for community safety, said: "We want to increase confidence among victims so they can feel safe coming forward.

"To bring the perpetrators to justice is also, I think, a very important part of this strategy."

Oxfordshire County Council has teamed up with Thames Valley Police, social services and voluntary organisations in a drive to tackle the problem. The partners won Home Office cash to appoint Ms Hunt in April.

She said she hoped the leaflets would lead to a rise in cases reported.

She said: "Victims can expect a lot of help. A court case can be put together to get an injunction against violent partners.

"A lot of Asian women in particular in Oxford won't use the refuge because all the taxi drivers know where they are. We can move them out of the county."

The leaflets will be distributed to parish councils and family centres, while organisations across the county are being urged to place discreet information cards in toilets.

Ms Hunt said: "There is often a lot of control and power exercised by perpetrators of violence, so toilets are a place where they can read the information safely."

If you are in danger, call Oxfordshire Women's Aid on 01865 791416, or dial 999.