FOUR key projects to banish domestic violence have been launched in Pendle.

The schemes have received the green light for £2,000 of funding from Pendle Community Safety Partnership, which includes local organisations such as the police, Pendle Council and the probation service.

The projects are:

An awareness campaign using contact cards, posters, leaflets and stickers for display at hospitals, courts, pubs and shops, including versions in Urdu for distribution to the ethnic community.

A victim contact scheme of properly trained counsellors, known as friends, to provide long-term support to victims of domestic violence.

A help-line pilot scheme for men who are victims of domestic violence operated by men, with a solicitor available to take on referred cases.

Programmes to encourage changes in thinking and behaviour for victims and offenders to promote safe family environments for children.

The moves follow research, supported by the British Crime Survey, that indicates domestic violence occurs in one in four households. Philip Mousdale, secretary of the Safety Partnership, said: "We aim to break the vicious circle of domestic violence. Research shows that victims on average have been assaulted 35 times over a period of seven years before reporting an incident.

"These projects will meet an urgent need as calls to the Pendle Domestic Violence help-line increased by 65 per cent over the first six months of 1999.

"This increase may not mean that domestic violence is on the increase. It could mean that more people are hearing about the help-line and are more confident about seeking help."

Christmas and New Year generally see an increase in incidents of domestic violence.

Anyone needing help can contact the help-line on 01282 661989, police domestic violence line on 01282 472683 and the council's housing and community service department on 01282 661189.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.