WOMEN in East Lancashire may be living in silent fear at the hands of a violent partners say specialist family lawyers in the area.

Barbara Crook, of Accrington firm Farleys Solicitors, who represents the Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA), said the problem spanned all social classes and ages.

"Around one in four women are likely to suffer violence at the hands of their partner during their lives," she added.

"The victim is just as likely to be the wife of a professional as of an unskilled labourer. What is alarming is that the older she is, the more likely she is to suffer in silence."

The group say their experience shows elderly relatives are also the victims of abuse and children also suffer violence and witness violent attacks on family members.

Suggested key triggers for violent attacks include marital separation, having young children, financial pressures, drug or alcohol abuse and disability or ill-health.

Barbara Crook added: "Women need the chance to break out of the cycle of violence and there are several places locally where they can seek help and support."