BATTERED women in the borough will have extra professional help in the borough thanks to Government funding.

The Home Office has approved a bid from the Bury Community Safety Partnership to tackle domestic violence.

A £49,000 grant will employ a specialist counsellor to be based at Bury General Hospital's accident and emergency department for the coming year.

Brenda Ryan, chairman of Bury's domestic violence steering group, said the bid's success was down to excellent work between the partnership's members. These include Bury Council, the police, health services, voluntary groups and businesses. "The new domestic violence worker will be able to provide advice, information and support to victims from the moment they are identified at hospital," she said.

"The counsellor will also work closely with GPs and raise awareness of domestic violence and the needs of patients among health service practitioners."

Domestic violence features high on the agenda of the partnership. After consultation with local people, it was identified as one of five main areas to be tackled in Bury.

Ms Ryan said the NHS had a crucial role to play, as the health impact on victims was substantial.

"These cover a range of psychological and psychiatric problems from depression and anxiety, with suicide attempts higher among those who have been abused.

"Physical injuries are also common and include everything from bruises and minor abrasions to broken bones, internal injuries and gynaecological problems.

"This new post will allow victims to be identified at an early stage and offered support as soon as possible. We are pleased to have brought this additional expertise to the borough and we are sure it will bring much welcomed benefits."