This month Refuge is launching a nationwide campaign to stamp out domestic violence. RACHEL SHARP reports on the crime and the help available for its victims.

AROUND 200 victims of domestic violence are seen each month by Hillingdon police, and national statistics tell us that by the end of this year approximately 140 women will have died at the hands of a current or former partner.

That's why Refuge is launching a national domestic violence poster campaign. By raising awareness of this abhorrent crime the charity hopes to change attitudes, save lives and decrease the death toll.

Detective Inspector Kim Tuffin, of the Community Safety Unit at Hillingdon, says: "In Hillingdon we probably help around 50 victims every week.

"Victims of domestic violence shouldn't have to suffer in silence, there are people who can help.

"But every case is different, and there are a number of options open to people who are suffering. If they report it to the police we can then explore with them the options available to them to break the chain of violence."

Carol Malone is the dedicated domestic violence co-ordinator for Hillingdon, and she is there to listen and offer advice and support to victims.

She also liaises with the local authority to find a safe house for people who need to get away but don't know how.

Det Insp Tuffin adds: "Something can always be done. There are different solutions for different circumstances, but victims do not have to suffer in silence."

A £1 million hard hitting national poster campaign Don't Ignore It, is being launched by Refuge this month, and will run through until the end of March 2004.

Three different posters feature domestic violence scenes which all take place in public places, amongst friends who, despite the violence, remain oblivious.

The adverts act as a metaphor for the way in which society continues to hide, excuse and ignore domestic violence.

More than one in three (42 per cent) of people say they have witnessed a person being verbally or physically abused by their partner in a social situation, whether at home, a restaurant or the pub.

And almost four in five people say domestic violence is one of the nation's major crimes that needs to be stamped out.

The poster message is loud and clear domestic violence is unacceptable and everyone has a part to play in preventing the problem.

Sandra Horley, OBE, chief executive of Refuge, says: "Every day at Refuge we see the black eyes, broken bones and mental scars of many women.

"We know about the despair, the fear and the terror that women and children face. But by recognising that domestic violence is a crime and by realising that we are all accountable for the extent of the problem we can bring about the changes in attitude that we so desperately need.

"It is time to take a stand. It is time for change."

Victims wanting to report domestic violence in Hillingdon can call the Community Safety Unit on 020 8246 1766, or dial 999 in an emergency. Carol Malone, domestic violence co-ordinator, can be contacted on 020 8246 1745 and callers can remain anonymous if they prefer