A city MP has been working with police and other agencies to try to help victims of domestic abuse find the confidence to come forward and report attacks.

Chloe Smith, Norwich North MP, took part in a multi-agency safeguarding meeting in the city last week to discuss the problem of domestic abuse and the help available to victims.

Ms Smith was joined at the meeting by former High Sheriff of Norfolk Georgina Holloway, who last year helped launch the Norfolk Says No campaign against domestic abuse.

'I think it's vitally important that people know there's somewhere to go for help. It's vital to have a way of getting a lot of help together, in one place for someone who has suffered domestic abuse,' said Ms Smith.

'It can take a lot of courage sometimes to come forward and say they need help but my message would be you don't need to be afraid... no-one needs to suffer in silence.'

The multi agency safeguarding hub (MASH) works to safeguard vulnerable children and adults. By sharing relevant information, it informs child and adult protection professionals how best to safeguard and ensures effective and consistent decision making.

Det Supt Katie Elliott, from Norfolk police, said the force was looking 'forward to working with Ms Smith to spread the message that 'the cycle of abuse can be broken'.

The meeting fits in with the Evening News's Don't Suffer in Silence campaign which highlights the issue of domestic violence.