Domestic abuse in Westbury has been made a high priority by the town’s Area Board, after a study found the town ranks fourth highest in Wiltshire for incidents.

The board is spending money on an awareness campaign and theatre workshops for teenagers.

The board is also working with the police, White Horse Health Centre and the community area partnership to make sure victims of domestic abuse know where they can get help and advice.

Exhibitions will be held in Westbury Library to coincide with National Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, which started on Monday.

People are being encouraged to wear white campaign ribbons and put up information posters.

Board chairman David Jenkins said: “One of the key tasks of the area board is to act on issues affecting our community. We hope, by raising awareness about domestic abuse, it will mean people who need help will get it.”

The board has arranged for two performances of The Secret Life, a production by Swindon-based Sixth Sense Theatre that tackles domestic abuse in young relationships. It has been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner and the area board.

Councillor Gordon King, who is leading the drive, said: “There’s no excuse for abuse, so we need to get together as a community and tackle this important issue.

“The report highlighted that domestic abuse was an issue in Westbury, so we decided to highlight the issue through any ways we can. It is something we hope to continue over the next year.”

Help for victims of domestic abuse is available on the National Domestic Violence Helpline, 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, people should still call police on 999.

Wiltshire Council has information, advice, websites lists and numbers available on www.speakoutwiltshire.com