A PIONEERING technique to stop domestic violence -- the first of its kind in Lancashire -- is being launched in Pendle.

Pendle Domestic Violence Initiative (PDVI) is to hold a 26-week course, called New Directions, in a bid to help the perpetrators of domestic violence to change their behaviour.

It has been set up using some of the £300,000 lottery grant given to help fund the PDVI over three years.

Health visitors, social workers, solicitors, doctors and other agencies have been invited to refer people to take part.

The course, which starts in February, is mainly aimed at men and is only suitable for people who accept responsibility for their behaviour and want to change their ways.

Detective Inspector Joyce Green, domestic violence co-ordinator for Lancashire and a member of the PDVI management committee, said that with 22,000 reported incidents of domestic violence in Lancashire last year, 1,534 of which were in Pendle, more long-term solutions had to be found.

She said: "There aren't any courses like this running in Lancashire, which is why we are keen to support it.

"The only programmes for perpetrators are mandatory ones run by the probation service.

"This is unique in that it is entirely voluntary -- if people make a choice to change their lifestyle there is a much greater chance of success."

She added: "It is very important to look for long-term solutions to domestic violence. This course is tailor-made to help those responsible change their behaviour."

A maximum of 10 people will be accepted into the first group, who will attend weekly classes.

During the first few weeks, participants will be asked to look at their behaviour and what triggers it. They will discuss male socialisation and what causes them to abuse partners.

The course was devised by Yvonne Statham, a former lecturer in psychology at Nelson and Colne College, based on similar courses in other parts of the country, and has already been successfully piloted in Pendle.

The course will be run jointly by Linda Higgins and Nicola Alcock, both trained domestic violence prevention workers based in the Brierfield area. Linda said: "Our main objective is to keep women and children safe.

"The only criteria is that someone must accept responsibility for their behaviour and want to change."

The manager of Burnley Women's Refuge said she backed the scheme.

She said: "There are not many services to prevent the violence, so this course is much-needed and we would support it wholeheartedly."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the course should call Nicola or Linda on 01282 661806.