A MAJOR campaign to highlight and tackle domestic abuse has moved into its second phase.

The Don't Suffer in Silence initiative, in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, has turned its attention to mums.

Eye-catching posters asking "What did you get for Mother's Day?" will be appearing across the district in shops, leisure centres, libraries, health centres and public buildings.

Those whose Mother's Day was not about love and flowers , but abuse, whether physical or psychological, are directed towards help.

The Hambleton Community Safety Partnership launched its campaign in February to coincide with St Valentine's Day.

Last year, there were 355 reported incidents of domestic abuse in Hambleton, 120 more than in 2002.

Of those, 160 were repeat attacks. Officials believe there are many more people who live with violence every day, but never report it to the authorities.

"Mother's Day is meant to be a very special day, but for some it can just mean more misery and pain," said community safety officer, PC Izzy Wilkinson.

"Most victims of domestic abuse suffer in silence for years before they have the courage to do something about it - and the abuse may not be physical, but purely psychological.

"It is important that they realise they do not have to suffer in silence. There are people at the end of a telephone line ready and willing to help them escape the life they are living in."

The partnership's campaign is focusing on all victims, men, women and children, who suffer at the hands of their loved ones.