The number of domestic abuse incidents being reported to Flintshire police has rocketed.

In 2006 to 2007, three times as many incidents of domestic abuse were reported to police than in 2004 to 2005.

PC George Howat, domestic violence officer for Flintshire, said there is an increase in reports of domestic abuse from 728 incidents in 04/05 to 2,426 in 06/07.

Victims of domestic abuse are being encouraged to speak out in a number of ways and now firefighters, who carry out home fire safety checks, have been trained to spot the signs.

Women's Aid is encouraging people to talk to the 61 trained crew members from Flintshire who visit homes across the county.

Gina Edwards, from Deeside Domestic Abuse Safety Unit, said: "Fire crews are going into people's homes to give their fire safety advice.

"They visit people who are vulnerable or where a fire risk has been identified and domestic abuse is something they might disclose to the fire service."

A domestic violence project group have been training the crews to raise awareness of domestic violence and make them recognise possible signs.

She added: "We wanted to let the public know they have had this training and also make them aware of the fire safety checks.

"It's another opportunity for somebody who hasn't spoken to somebody before, to speak out.

"All crews have a folder with information and referral contact details in."

In relation to the increase in reported incidents, it is hoped it is down to people feeling more comfortable reporting domestic abuse.

Mrs Edwards said: "It is hoped this reflects an increase in confidence survivors feel with services offered and also the increase in partnership working around domestic abuse issues, thereby cutting down on the amount of agencies a victim or survivor has to contact to get the appropriate help and support."

In 2006 to 2007, the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) provided refuge for 18 women and 30 children, and actively supported over 200 women in the local community.