SUFFOLK police will launch a countywide campaign today to drive home the links between domestic violence and alcohol misuse.The initiative will use the theme of three cocktails - 'Bloody Mary', 'Harvey Wallbanger' and 'Tequila Slammer' - to deliver the message to victims, abusers and their friends and family.

SUFFOLK police will launch a countywide campaign today to drive home the links between domestic violence and alcohol misuse.

The initiative will use the theme of three cocktails - 'Bloody Mary', 'Harvey Wallbanger' and 'Tequila Slammer' - to deliver the message to victims, abusers and their friends and family.

In 2005/06 alcohol was a factor in 42% of all domestic violence incidents reported to police in Suffolk and the aim is to encourage people to report abuse and encourage them to get information and seek support.

The campaign, which was launched at the entrance to the South Pier in Lowestoft, will use adverts on buses as well as posters, beer mats and leaflets displayed in pubs, nightclubs, leisure venues and health centres to get the message across.

Chief superintendent Martin Jelley, said: “The powerful message to victims, family members, friends and the wider community, as well as the abuser, is that the police investigate all reported incidents and will take positive action to support victims and hold abusers accountable for their behaviour.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work with partners on this innovative campaign as part of our ongoing commitment to this important issue.”

Julia Stephens-Row, assistant director for social inclusion at Suffolk County Council, said she hoped the campaign would make people think twice about domestic violence and understand the problems alcohol could cause.

“We really want to encourage victims, friends and family members to report domestic violence and encourage abusers to seek support to address their behaviour.”

The funding for the scheme has been provided by Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (which include district and borough councils, the county council, police and others), Nightsafe and the Drinkaware Trust.

Matthew Bradby, of the Drinkaware Trust, said: “We are very glad to be supporting this innovative and hard hitting campaign. Its powerful messages will encourage people to think twice about the real consequences of alcohol misuse.”

Meanwhile, Dawn Burgess, licensee at Notleys bar in Lowestoft, who is an active member of the Nightsafe partnership, said she was only too pleased to support the initiative.

She said: “Having the posters and information available in the privacy of the toilet areas is a brilliant idea and offers crucial support to people who suffer from violence at home.”