A series of booklets will be distributed across east London to help people identify signs of abuse.

The booklets are being distributed across Newham and Tower Hamlets by the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) to help identify signs of abuse and how to access the support available.

UK figures show that one in four women will experience domestic violence at some time in their life and across the country on average two women die each week as a result of domestic violence. Often victims of domestic and sexual violence are not known to the police or any other agency as they do not go to them for help.

The new booklets - published ahead of the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 - recognise the crucial role that friends and family members have in both identifying the early signs of abuse and supporting victims.

They will be available at GP surgeries, libraries and youth clubs and are targeted at specific groups, including parents, friends of teenagers and new partners.

Stephen Greenhalgh, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Nobody should have to endure domestic or sexual violence. The aim of this campaign is to help the family and friends of victims to spot the signs of abuse and ensure no-one has to suffer in silence.”