victims of domestic violence often suffer silently, too afraid to take action.

But these victims are now being offered a way out of the harsh reality of domestic violence, thanks to a special Bromsgrove-based unit and new legislation.

Recent alterations to the law making it easier to prosecute offenders have been welcomed by the domestic violence unit, (DVU) which is based at Bromsgrove police station.

'Victimless prosecutions' are now possible, even when women and men, who may fear repercussions, are unwilling to press charges.

In fact, three out of ten victimless prosecutions in the West Mercia area have occurred in north Worcestershire.

In addition, the new Domestic Violence and Crime Bill, likely to come into force in April, will give police the power to arrest attackers for common assault.

Legal training for uniformed officers, often the first to the scene of an incident, also forms part of the unit's work.

Statistics relating to violence in the home make grim reading. Nationally, one out of nine women is beaten by their partner. While one in five murders is domestic-violence related. But it is not just a female problem, as one out of five victims is male.

In north Worcestershire, a quarter of all violent crime is domestic-violence related. This can be emotional, psychological, sexual, verbal, financial, as well as physical.

The DVU is on hand to offer support through the whole legal process.

Detective Sergeant Mike Patz, of the DVU, said: "We try to take the feeling of guilt away from the victim. We work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, which now has lawyers specialising in this field, and with Victim Support, from the point of charge to the court case to ensure vulnerable victims and witnesses get all the support they need.

"We also work closely with organisations, such as local councils and housing associations, which can help sort out accommodation problems," he added.

One quarter of victims experience violence for the first time when they are pregnant and another recent initiative involves midwives asking women if they are at risk.

Other victims can include children and the DVU regularly works with the family protection unit and social services.

DS Patz also recognises domestic violence can be a one-off incident or a longer crisis lasting several years.

Patz said the major changes in countering domestic violence mean it will "not be condoned and police will take positive action".

He is also keen to point out that help is available from doctors' surgeries, social services, primary care trusts and council offices, as well as the police.