It is a sad and staggering fact that five out of six murders committed in West Mercia involve a history of domestic violence - and children under 16 witness nine out of 10 acts of the abuse.

But the often-silent victims of domestic violence in Worcestershire were thrown a fresh lifeline this week when a new campaign was launched to help them.

West Mercia Police began their Home Truths campaign on Tuesday. It aims to tackle the common problem that threatens hundreds of men and women in the area every day. Victims are encouraged to call help-line numbers that will give them a first step and point of contact to getting out of an abusive relationship.

Bus adverts and drinks mats are also carrying the numbers, and a play about the subject was performed by Herefordshire's 4Rum Theatre Company at the launch, hosted by the University of Worcester.

White ribbons and purple wristbands are also available for people to show their support and mark today's International Day for the Eradica-tion of Violence Against Women.

Det Supt John Molloy from the force's crime and disorder department said: "It is difficult to imagine the hell of living in constant fear in your own home. Not because of your neighbours or strangers - but because someone who is supposed to love you is going to attack you again, beat you again and you don't know how much more you can take or what you can do to get away from it.

"Home Truths aims to offer people choices. Women who get in touch will be given all the support and options they need to begin their journey away from the violence."

Various groups were involved in the launch, including the Worcester-shire Domestic Violence Forum.

Chairwoman of the Forum's Public Awareness Task Group, Susan Pinfold-Brown said: "A victim suffers domestic violence every minute, so we welcome this opportunity to work in partnership and raise awareness about domestic violence. We are particularly focusing on young people, the impact it can have on them, and how to encourage them to have healthy relationships."

The forum is set to hold a candlelit vigil outside the Guildhall, Worcester, today between 5.30pm and 6.60pm to mark the launch and allow people to show their support.

HELPLINE NUMBERS

Women's Aid, Worcestershire - 0800 980 3331

Herefordshire - 0800 7831359

Mankind for male victims - 0870 7944142

Respect, for male perpetrators - 0845 1228609

National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0807 2000247

NSPCC Helpline - 0808 8005000

VI0LENCE IN THE HOME: THE FACTS

Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse - psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional - between individuals who are or have been intimate partners, regardless of gender or sexuality.

It is a largely hidden crime - many women and children feel unsafe in their own homes - not openly discussed, and the fear is constant.

It is rarely a one-off event. A victim may endure 30 to 35 assaults before they seek help from the police or other agencies.

Domestic violence is often extended to children in the family.

New legislation has been introduced which means that a prosecution can be pursued without evidence of the victim.

Friends, family and neighbours have a role to play in reporting incidents or suspicions - it may save someone's life.

Only 35 per cent of domestic violence incidents are reported.

Offences happen mainly at weekends between 4pm to 4am - indicating a link with alcohol and drugs.

About 15 per cent of incidents involve men as victims.

The drive to tackle domestic violence will be helped by the forthcoming Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act, which extends the definition.