Five hundred Metropolitan Police officers took part in the raids as part of a two-week crackdown.

Scotland Yard said the operation was designed to "put the fear back onto the offenders and encourage victims to report crimes to us".

More than 108,000 domestic violence incidents were reported in 2005/06, accounting for 20% of all murders.

Festive season

In the same period 11,322 race-hate crimes and 1,294 homophobic crimes were reported.

A police spokesman said 32 dedicated Community Safety Teams would be working with people to raise awareness of how and where to report crimes, to provide high visibility patrolling, and to respond to calls.

"In the run up to the festive season where historically we have seen a rise in such cases, we need to get the message across that this type of crime will not be tolerated and you do not need to suffer in silence," said Commander Steve Allen.