Top cops are warning excessive drinking, financial pressure, and people spending more time at home are all reasons for more domestic violence over Christmas.

Sussex Police is launching a campaign to crackdown on domestic abuse around Christmas and New Year, when officers will respond to an average of ten additional calls a day.

From tomorrow specialist domestic abuse patrols equipped with body-worn cameras will be on the beat to respond to reports as part of Operation Ribbon.

Detective Superintendent Paul Furnell, head of safeguarding and investigations, said: “At Christmas and the New Year generally we have seen a rise in reports of domestic abuse.

"This may be due to excessive alcohol consumption, people spending more time at home, or financial pressures, but whatever the reason there are no excuses.

“There may be only one chance when people reach out to us, so we aim to ensure that we always put the needs of the victim first, to help people with rebuilding their lives.”

Last year police officers responded to 979 domestic violence calls between December 20 and January 1. The call numbers ranged from 61 on 21 December to 127 on New Years Day.

The Sunday before Christmas as well as Christmas Day were the next highest with 75 and 85 respectively.

During that period police received an average of 73 domestic abuse calls every day, compared with an average of 63 such calls every day for the rest of the year.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said “All too often the onus is put on the victim to report and so I fully support the preventative work that Sussex Police is doing during the holiday period in order to protect the vulnerable in our society.

"I hope that by visiting those who are known to the authorities for abusing their partners that innocent people will be able to enjoy a peaceful and happy festive time.”

Today Sussex Police is running a 24-hour Domestic Abuse Tweetathon using #talktous.