TABLE napkins will be used to give people food for thought during Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.

Restaurants will be using the napkins displaying a “don’t suffer in silence” message along with a helpline number to ring.

Police will be handing them out between November 23 to 28 to businesses across Castle Point and Rochford.

Sallyanne Thallon, of the Castle Point and Rochford Domestic Abuse Panel, said: “This is a straightforward, yet discreet way of getting across an important message to victims of domestic abuse but more significantly shows where they can get help to break the cycle of abuse.

“A victim will typically suffer 35 assaults before calling the police and 44 per cent of victims are repeat incidents.”

Squires coffee shops will also be distributing hundreds of the napkins at outlets in Rayleigh High Street, Mill Hall in Rayleigh, the Rayleigh Leisure Centre and Clements Hall Leisure Centre, in Hawkwell. They will also be used in Wimpy at Tarpots, in Benfleet.

The week will also see police teams from Rochford and Castle Point take part in a charity football match to raise awareness. The game kicks off at Canvey United Football Club at 1pm on Thursday, November 26, and admission is free.

The National Domestic Violence Helpline can be called on Freephone 0808 2000247 and the Men’s Advice Line and Enquiries on 0808 8010327.