JUST weeks after 'sadist' Philip Stone received six life sentences for a shocking catalogue of domestic violence perpetrated against his former girlfriend Lisa Kilmartin, the borough's community safety agencies are mapping out future plans to tackle the issue.

A domestic violence strategy for the borough was launched on Thursday at Haigh Hall. Members of the Wigan & Leigh Community Safety Partnership will hear of plans for greater co-ordination of local services to spot tell tale signs of domestic violence.

There were a staggering 5 814 incidents of domestic violence in the area last year, an average of 112 per week.

The aim is to drastically reduce this number and provide better support to victims.

The launch follows the appointment of a Domestic Violence Co-ordinator for Wigan borough, Dr Helen Morgan.

She said: "It's a depressing fact, but many victims of violent crime are actually abused in their own homes -- by the very people who should be taking care of them.

"There were nearly 6,000 incidents of domestic violence reported to the police last year, but research shows that the real figure could be as high as 150, 000 assaults.

"This illustrates the scale of our task and it's one we are determined to get to grips with."

Councillor Christine Hitchen, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and a member of Wigan's Domestic Violence Executive said: "Today's strategy launch is all about planning for the future, with partner agencies working together to improve services to victims.

"Nationally, Refuge, Women's Aid, Comic Relief and the Government have teamed up to deliver a National Domestic Violence Helpline. Anybody experiencing domestic violence can telephone 0808 2000 247 for confidential advice and support."