VICTORIA Derbyshire used her position as a presenter yesterday to share the number of a domestic abuse hotline- writing the contact details on her hand.

The BBC newscaster wrote the phone number for the National Domestic Abuse helpline on the back of her hand, which was visible during her report on BBC News.

Ramsbottom-born Victoria later revealed she had shared the number for those who may be suffering abuse at the hands of people they’re self-isolating with.

There have been several reports that domestic abuse has increased during the coronavirus lockdown, with many couples isolating together.

Refuge, who run the 24/7 freephone number, later tweeted their thanks to Victoria for shining a light on their details

Later on Twitter, the Bury-educated journalist wrote: "The National Domestic Abuse hotline has seen a 25% increase in calls & online requests for help in past week.

"During the lockdown there’s also been a daily rise in people going on the helpline website & last wk that figure was up by 150%.

"The helpline is open 24/7."

Earlier in March, Sandra Horley CBE, Chief Executive of National Domestic Abuse charity, said:"1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse last year, and self-isolation has the potential to aggravate pre-existing abusive behaviours by perpetrators.

"In the current climate, it is certainly more challenging for women suffering abuse. Lines of communication could be severely limited if women are unable to leave the home.

"Refuge wants to reassure those experiencing abuse that they are not alone. Our services remain open and we have contingency plans in place for all of our services, including refuges, community-based services and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge."

The National Domestic Abuse hotline can be found on 0808 2000 247.