A POLICE chief fears victims of domestic abuse are trapped and too scared to come forward.

More than 400 vulnerable people reached out for help to agencies in Sussex during the first week of the lockdown.

But Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said some agencies helping domestic abuse victims have seen a drop in the number of cases reported.

Reporting has gone down by as much as 40 per cent, sparking fears that victims are trapped.

Mrs Bourne said: "Just because we are seeing a decrease in referrals does not mean that these crimes are reducing.

"We may all be locked down, but it doesn’t mean that victims of abuse are locked out from help.

"I recognise the impact these restrictions may have on those confined to living with their abuser so it’s more important than ever that, people who feel threatened and vulnerable, know there is someone out there who will listen and help them.”

Mrs Bourne relaunched the Safe Space Sussex website in the first lockdown.

It is an online directory of local victim services which has been equipped with a new search tool so that victims of any crime in Sussex can find the service they need within seconds.

It also has a ‘leave site now’ button that users can press to quickly exit the site.

The government has launched a scheme to allow victims to seek help at pharmacies nationwide, using a codeword.

It is a vital lifeline for those who don't feel safe in their home.

More than £850,000 has been granted to the support schemes in Sussex from Mrs Bourne, the government and the Department for Justice.

Mrs Bourne said the money has so far helped more than 3,000 vulnerable people in Sussex.

For more information visit: www.safespacesussex.org.uk.