MEMBERS of a support group for people who suffer domestic violence are celebrating International Women's Day with the launch of a new directory to improve services for victims.

Burnley Domestic Inter Agency Violence Forum is funded by Burnley Borough Council and Sure Start Burnley, as well as receiving cash from Europe and other support groups.

The new directory contains the details of 45 different Burnley agencies that can play a role in helping victims.

They include groups like Burnley Women's Refuge, Women's Aid, the police, housing groups, benefits groups and health practitioners.

Chairman Helen Gauder, said: "We felt we needed clearer information for women suffering violence so any agency they approach can tell them where to get help.

"No one agency can meet all their needs."

The directory is not for public use but for the various organisations women may turn to for help so they can refer victims to whatever other services they may require.

Helen said Burnley's domestic violence statistics were relatively high compared to other parts of the country.

The directory shows that, according to police figures between 2000 and 2000, the Pennine police division (which includes Burnley, Padiham, Colne, Nelson, Bacup, Rawtenstall and Haslingden) received 4,627 calls relating to domestic violence incidents, which resulted in 924 arrests.

Of those, 664 were charged and 503 have been finalised by court so far. But police point out many such incidents go unreported.

Nationally, one in four women experience domestic violence at some time in their lives and it is said that it kills one woman every three days in the UK.

Helen said there are plans to bring out a directory for the general public next year and that the agency version will be updated annually.

The directory was launched yesterday at Burnley's Vanguard Community Centre, in Bevington Close, to coincide with International Women's Day -- an event to celebrate the role of women throughout the world.

Women flocked to the centre where there were also information stands, special guest Gloria Oates, the High Sheriff of Lancashire, performances by singer Jackie Gibson and traditional Asian dancing from a group of girls from Walter Street Country Primary, Brierfield.