A scheme which has been rolled out in Bolton to help victims of domestic abuse has led to "really positive results".

Greater Manchester's Gender-Based Violence Strategy includes programmes such as the introduction of domestic abuse crisis workers, which has been piloted in Bolton and Salford, and involves a worker accompanying Greater Manchester Police during domestic abuse calls.

The project uses volunteers to maximise efficiency and offer a higher standard of care to vulnerable women.

As lead for the domestic abuse crisis pilot in Bolton, CEO of borough domestic abuse charity Fortalice, Dr Gill Smallwood MBE, said: "The results we are seeing through the pilot have been really positive results in terms of ensuring victims get a support worker enabling them to access domestic abuse services with immediate effect."

Roselyn Baker of Salford City Council pointed out that the pilot "created new openings for shared learning for domestic abuse workers and the police".

The report lists several triumphs of the strategy.

These include securing more than £5m in funding for services and partners throughout Greater Manchester and creating the Lotus Hub – a lifeline for women denied public fund access.

The strategy also led to the creation of a panel made up of women with experience of gender-based violence committed to influencing Greater Manchester's response to the issue.

Kate Green, Greater Manchester's deputy mayor, hailed the report as a chance "to reflect on the first two years of delivering our ambitious Gender-Based Violence Strategy."

She said:  “Our annual report is an opportunity for us to reflect on the first two years of delivering our ambitious Gender-Based Violence Strategy.

“We have made real progress and helped to make Greater Manchester a safer place.

"But we know that there is still much work to do, and that the pace of change needs to continue, as announcements such as the recent National Police Chief’s Council’s ‘Violence Against Women and Girls has reached epidemic levels’ news story makes clear.

“Through working closely with our Gender-Based Violence Board members, leaders and organisations from all sectors, as well as the communities of Greater Manchester, we will ensure that we continue this vital work. Together, we will make the change that’s needed.”

The report forms a fraction of the ongoing efforts to achieve Greater Manchester’s 10-year Gender-Based Violence Strategy. It is available to read in full via GMCA's webpage.