The campaign is part of Operation Relentless and kicks off a week of activity and publicity surrounding the issue with the aim of encouraging people to report incidents of domestic abuse.

The posters, which will go out across the county, feature a picture of a coffin with a wreath on the top and the message "Hit 52 times – Sent flowers only once."

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman said: "There are around 4,000 domestic abuse crimes recorded each year in Derbyshire but we suspect that only tells half the story.

"We know from the work we do with victims, other agencies and partners that domestic abuse has more repeat victims than any other crime and on average there will be 35 incidents before a victim calls the police.

"This week is part of ongoing work to highlight a crime that can often remain hidden and out of sight. We hope the message will be received loud and clear that perpetrators of domestic abuse are not above the law even if a formal complaint is later dropped.

"People who commit this kind of offence are criminals and we will continue to work hard to bring them to justice and at the same time we and our partners will continue to do all we can to provide the support that is needed for victims."

During Operation Relentless the force is looking at how it can improve the way it deals with domestic abuse, putting victim care at the top of its agenda.

The force is also looking at ways it can improve the way it works with partner agencies and voluntary groups to help encourage victims to come forward and to help them through the process of dealing with domestic abuse.

Anyone who wants to report domestic abuse is urged to contact Derbyshire Constabulary on 0845 123 33 33 or alternatively visit www.derbyshire.police.uk and look for other agencies you can contact for help.