MAYOR of St Helens, Councillor Pat Jackson was reduced to tears at the launch of the Zero Tolerance Campaign of Violence Against Women and Children in this area.

Her tears were prompted by a heart-tugging tale related by fellow councillor, Pat Ireland, who is on the steering committee of the initiative.

Councillor Ireland told how a relative had been forced to leave town with her three young children after being consistently abused by her husband. But, with the help of Women's Aid, the woman - who had been in and out of refuges - and her children, eventually moved to a new life in another part of the country and are now successfully rebuilding their lives.

The Merseyside Zero Tolerance Initiative is affiliated to the Zero Tolerance Charitable Trust in Edinburgh, a national strategy, which, since its launch seven years ago, has been taken up by more than 50 local authorities throughout the UK.

Main funding for the multi-agency project comes from the Merseyside Health Action Zone and the Safer Merseyside Partnership, with additional support from other agencies including St Helens and Wirral local authorities and health authorities, Merseyside Police, domestic violence forums, voluntary sector agencies and local businesses.

Detective Inspector Jon Dawson, head of the St Helens Area Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Unit, said: "Domestic violence is a major cause for concern in St Helens and we will do all we can to prevent it from happening. Believe it or not, a lot of women are much safer in the town centre at 10.30pm at night when the pubs are closing than they are in their own homes." Zero Tolerance recognises that violence against women and children is widespread in society and that men perpetrate the majority of violence against women and children. The violence includes child sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape and sexual harrassment. ANYONE who would like information, or support from the Zero Tolerance freephone line can call 0800 028 3398 (Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Sunday 3 to 5pm). After hours there will be a message detailing telephone numbers of emergency support services.

For immediate help in an emergency call the police on 999. The Police Family Support Unit can be contacted on 0151 777 6183/6184. The Social Service Department, which investigates concerns in relation to children thought to be at risk from abuse, are also available. The St Helens Emergency Duty Team (available out of office hours) can be contacted on 01744 22328.

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