The campaign ran through December and January
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Reports of domestic abuse in the Northumbria Police area fell over the Christmas and New Year period.
Senior officers admitted surprise at the drop in December and January, when incidents usually rise.
There were almost 500 fewer reports than during the same period in the previous year - 2341 compared to 2828.
It is believed the force's "End the Silence Campaign", aimed at encouraging victims to call police, could also have helped stop abusers in their tracks.
Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Mathieson said: "History shows that the stress of the festive season usually increases offences - but not this time around.
"It seems as if the message is getting through that Northumbria Police will take a hard line on anyone who is accused of committing domestic abuse."
He stressed that the force would continue to take abusers to court.
One-Minute World News
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