VICTIMS of domestic violence in South Ribble are the target of a new scheme to encourage them to ask for help.

This week sees the launch of Chorley and South Ribble Domestic Abuse Forum's awareness campaign which has been designed with help from survivors of domestic abuse.

It offers the new 24 hour freephone number as an easy, accessible way to find advice and the re-launch of an updated domestic abuse 'bible'.

The campaign comes after research showed local women survivors were not always aware of the help available and that they did not always identify their experiences as abuse.

Women contact an average of 11 separate agencies before getting the help they need, and the single telephone number should help provide instant aid.

Nina George, domestic abuse project co-ordinator for Chorley and South Ribble said: "We talked to a lot of domestic abuse survivors and they told us they had to ring lots of people before they were helped.

"The new freephone National Domestic Violence helpline number is run in partnership with Women's Aid and Refuge and they will be able to offer instant advice backed up by contacts with all our local agencies."

Alongside the phone number, a new directory has been designed to help agency workers to respond quickly and appropriately. It brings together information on a huge variety of local services - from health professionals to refuges and support workers.

South Ribble MP David Borrow and Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle attended the official launch on July 30 at the Civic Centre, Leyland.