AS MANY as one in three Purbeck residents may know someone who is suffering from domestic abuse but doesn't know how to help, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) believes.

Findings from a national report and a survey of more than 2,000 British adults also suggests domestic abuse victims are three times more likely to say their friends and family were aware something was going on.

On the back of these findings, Citizens Advice Purbeck wants to highlight the national campaign, Talk About Abuse, and raise awareness of specialist helplines people can call if they suspect someone they know is in an abusive relationship.

Citizens Advice Purbeck manager Helen Goldsack said: "Family and friends can be a lifeline to support for victims of domestic abuse in Purbeck.

"Those suffering from domestic abuse may feel unable to reach out for help themselves, so people who want to support them need to know the steps they can take and where they can get specialist help."

In its latest report, A link in the chain, national Citizens Advice finds most people in Britain do not feel equipped to help someone suffering from domestic abuse.

Mrs Goldsack explained: "We are joining the national Talk About Abuse campaign so we can help ordinary people know how to recognise abuse, talk about it safely and enable victims to make the right decisions for themselves..

"If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or you are concerned someone you know might be in an abusive relationship, you can seek help by calling confidential freephone helplines.

"You can also get help and support from Citizens Advice Purbeck."

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Citizens Advice Purbeck has listed a number of helplines:

If the victim is female call the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247, run in partnership by Refuge and Women's Aid.

If the victim is a man, call the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327

If the victim is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, you can get specialised help from Broken Rainbow on 0300 999 5428