Nottinghamshire Police say domestic abuse victims can have knives replaced with blunt ones.

VICTIMS of domestic abuse could have their kitchen knives replaced with blunt ones to protect themselves.

Nottinghamshire Police is piloting a new scheme where victims of domestic violence can have their kitchen knives replaced with blunt utensils.

These "no-point" knives will be given to victims in "appropriate high risk domestic situations" who have either been threatened or attacked with a knife or bladed instrument.

Nottinghamshire Police knife crime strategy manager Superintendent Matt McFarlane said: ‘We do see a fair amount of knife related incidents in domestic abuse not just on the streets. This is a measure we need to take. We want to reduce that risk.

"It is a trial. We have about a 100 of them – and we have so far given out about 50.

"The knife is blunt at the end – but still functions as a knife – so you can’t stab someone.

"People will stay in a relationship after some serious episodes of domestic abuse. They may stay together for children, get back together, or might get back together when they are out of prison."