Every three days a woman is killed in a domestic violence incident. During 1999 in the West Midlands there were 16 domestic murders, including eight children.

At a time of year when domestics often reach boiling point reporter Kate Hughes visits Bromsgrove's

new lifeline for victims . . .

LORRAINE Gale has been through the mill in life.

But she came out on top and is now helping other women do the same.

Lorraine, of Cofton Hackett, was trapped in an abusive and violent relationship for six years.

Her husband left her with no money, £8,000 worth of debt and a bankruptcy charge against the house.

Somewhere along the line she reached a turning point, and true to form, Lorraine rebuilt her life while caring for her two young children, Lucy and Jemma.

"Nobody would have guessed that I was a victim of domestic abuse," she said.

"From the outside I looked like I had the perfect family. But people don't know what goes on behind closed doors. And that's what we want to shine a light on."

Lorraine's experiences inspired her to help people in similar situations. After setting up an organisation called 'The Way 4Ward', she now hopes to give victims a way out.

"We have an excellent domestic abuse unit here in Bromsgrove, one of the best in the county, but The Way 4Ward complements that service and helps give the victims direction in their lives. We can't change what has happened in the past but we can provide a way forward," she stressed.

One in four women will suffer from domestic abuse in their lifetime. And victims suffer an average 35 incidents before they report it. Even then, most victims have to report the violence eight times before they receive support. It quickly became clear to Lorraine that people did not know where to get support. So she wants to raise awareness.

"We are not counsellors, we're supporters. With whatever area people need support, be it finding a solicitor, providing child care or transport, we're here to help," Lorraire underlines.

Lorraine set up The Way 4Ward with the help of the government's Lone Parent back-to-work scheme. It is a non-profit making organisation.

Lorraine will meet victims wherever they wish, although she does have an office at home. She aims to give them back their self-esteem through assertiveness training and to help them find work to build confidence.

If you are a victim of domestic abuse or want to volunteer, please call Lorraine on: 0121 445 6669. If she is not there leave a message and a safe number to call back on and she will respond in 24 hours. You can also e-mail: TheWay4WardDA@aol.com or write to her at The Way 4Ward, PO BOX 10962, Birmingham.