CONVICTIONS for domestic violence have increased by more than 50 per cent in Suffolk in the last year, it was revealed today.

The figures were released by David Ruffley MP who asked for the latest figures in a question to Home Office minister Tony McNulty.

The statistics show that in 2005 there were 428 convictions for domestic violence in the county and in 2006 the number increased to 652.

During the same period convictions for domestic violence in England rose by 37 percent.

The total number of proceedings for domestic violence in Suffolk rose by 26 percent from 672 in 2005 to 850 in 2006.

Mr Ruffley said: 'On the one hand these are some alarming figures. Convictions for domestic violence in Suffolk have increased by 52 pc in a single year.

'However, too often domestic violence is a taboo subject and although one incident of domestic violence is one too many the conviction rate in Suffolk has increased from 63.7 pc in 2005 to 76.7 pc in 2006. This gives Suffolk the second highest conviction rate for domestic violence in the whole of England.

'We must do all we can to stamp out this despicable crime which can ruin lives and shatter families.

'I am encouraged that Suffolk Constabulary have seen an increase in the number of successful convictions and that more people are coming forward to report domestic violence.'

Mr Ruffley has now written to Chief Constable Alastair McWhirter to ask what Suffolk police are doing to clamp down on domestic violence and ensure victims know that the support they need is available.