THE hidden problem of domestic violence has been highlighted at the 10th anniversary of an aid organisation that provides refuge for women and children.

The Wish Centre in Blackburn deals with more than 1,400 cases of domestic violence a year.

But there is no way of knowing whether this is more or less than other communities.

That is because no-one knows the true extent of the problem as many domestic violence incidents go unreported.

In Blackburn the project has started to ethnically monitor the problem and bosses say around 25 per cent of women are from ethnic minorities.

And since a Black Minority Ethnic worker was intro-duced to work in the town 12 months ago, the charity, based in Cardwell Place, has seen a 46 per cent increase in women from that group coming forward for help.

Project manager Vivien Blackledge said: "With ethnic minorities it's more of a hidden problem but the BME worker is helping to change tha."

Blackburn MP Jack Straw, who opened the wish centre a decade ago, visited yesterday to speak to victims who have been helped.

Anna, 58, not her real name, who lives in Darwen, suffered domestic abuse for years, resulting in agoraph-obia, depression, low confid-ence and low self-esteem.

She eventually rang the Wish Centre to get support.

Anna added: "You could see the darkness in his eyes when he'd had a drink. I got lots of help and support from the Wish Centre and now I'm putting something back by volunteering.

"Had I not accessed support services, I would not be free from abuse."

Another victim, from Blac-kburn, said she was fright-ened that her partner would return home angry, waiting to use her as a punch bag.

The 50-year-old only fled after he kept her hostage for two days and abused her in front of her grandson. She said: "When he turned he was like a demon. His eyes were demonic and I often feared for my life. I even tried to take my own life. If it hadn't been for the centre I wouldn't be here today."

Mr Straw said: "We shouldn't rest until men understand that they should treat their partners with respect in every way."