A FORMER police sergeant who led a domestic violence unit in Rossendale is now in charge of a pioneering project to ensure victims receive the best care when they turn for help.

In the past there has been an ad-hoc approach to domestic violence. If people ask one agency for advice and it is not in their remit to help, the victim was not necessarily recommended to seek help from other sources.

But Keith Willacy is hoping to change all that after he accepted the role of project co-ordinator for the Home Office-funded Rossendale After Care Project. The former police officer retired last March after completing 30 years in the force. Since 1995 he headed the Rossendale Domestic Violence Unit in Rawtenstall.

When the unit started there were 300 reported incidents a year to police -- when Keith left there were 2,000 reported incidents each year.

He said: "I am not saying that it escalated, but more people were reporting incidents and the subject became something which was in the public eye more and so people were aware of it. It is estimated that one in four suffer domestic violence and one in ten on a regular basis."

The project will work with various agencies including police, social services, health, probation, domestic violence units, Women's Aid and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Keith said: "I will make sure all the agencies have a policy on domestic violence and will produce a support pack for victims so they know where they can go for help.

"If someone goes to hospital for treatment related to domestic violence, very few people know about it other that the people at the hospital.

"What we want to try to do is provide a full service. If, for example, that person needs help with housing, the people who become aware of her problem will be able to advise her where to go.

"Domestic violence is unacceptable, but people accept it for a long time before they actively seek help. It is a hidden problem.

"The ultimate aim is to see this service running itself in a year's time when the contract runs out and all of the agencies will be working together to provide a holistic service.

"It is very important that agencies know what they can and can't do, but everybody can do more than they have been."