Some members of the Asian and eastern European communities are unaware domestic violence is unacceptable, according to police.

Speaking during the one-day Operation Athena, which targets abusers and attempts to encourage those abused to come forward, an officer working with high-risk victims in Redbridge said a significant number feel cultural pressure not to report attacks.

Amanda Kirkpatrick said: “We are not only trying to reach out to victims of domestic abuse but also the abusers. We want them to know that they can also come to us a seek help.

“In the case of Asian and eastern European communities there is a difference in culture which sometimes stops them coming to us for help.

“They don’t realise when they come here that it isn’t ok for that kind of thing to happen in relationships.

“Sometimes they need someone to tell them that this should not be happening, as in other countries it can be widely overlooked.”

Georgie Hagan, a care worker at domestic violence charity Victim Support, said: “We work very closely with the police to provide support for domestic violence victims.

“They provide us with the victim’s contact details if they agree to share them and then we call them to see how we can help and offer our services.

“If they don’t want our help, all we can do is leave them our contact details, but usually they are extremely grateful for the service we provide.”

The council’s community safety team will be available on Monday on High Road outside Redbridge town hall to provide more information between 11am and 1pm.

A new domestic violence one stop shop will open at Vine Church community Hall in Riches Road, Ilford, on Friday mornings, between 10am and 12pm.