FEMALE volunteers are needed to staff the Preston Women's Refuge Domestic Violence Helpline.

Offering support, information and advice to women experiencing domestic violence, the helpline needs women available to staff it for three hours each week on a weekday.

Full training in listening skills and domestic violence awareness continues throughout the year.

Preston police's domestic violence liaison officers have 3,500 women on their files - a huge number considering the British crime survey of 1996 found domestic violence the least likely violent crime to be reported.

Helpline organiser Sarah Clubb said: "Many women in Preston are in violent or abusive situations at home.

"Domestic violence is not something that is easy to talk about and many women find it impossible to confide in friends or family.

"The helpline allows them to talk in complete confidence. Volunteer workers are trained to listen without being judgemental or telling women what to do.

"They help women think through their options or simply give them time to off-load."

Sarah added that working at the refuge was a good way to develop skills and knowledge.

Any women interested in volunteering should call the helpline on (01772) 788123 between 12.30pm and 3pm, Monday to Friday.

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