BREAKING the silence is the first step for many women when they decide they've had enough of being attacked and abused by the person they live with.

That's why theatre group Roar Nerve decided to use it as the title of a play they performed at the first anniversary of the South Ribble Domestic Violence Forum.

The group presented the sketch to members of the forum and visitors to the one-day conference at the Civic Centre, Leyland on Monday.

Domestic Violence Liaison Officer, PC Caroline Turley, told the group about her work helping victims of domestic violence in Leyland: "Women who have been the victims of any kind of abuse by their partner need support in overcoming its physical and emotional effects as well as help with practical issues such as benefits and housing.

"Many women remain in abusive and violent relationships for a variety of reasons: money, shame, isolation, fear, threats to their lives or the children's, and self-esteem that has slowly been worn away."

The event also marked the launch of the Forum's new Domestic Violence Agency Directory for professionals working with women who are looking for help. Women who need advice can attend a drop-in centre with creche at Yewlands Drive day nursery Leyland.

Caroline Turley, domestic violence liaison officer, Helen Johnson, of the HIV prevention service and Gwen Crawford Chairman. (R/8609)

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.