VICTIMS of domestic violence are to stage a march of solidarity through the streets of Chorley as part of a Citizen-backed campaign.

Survivors of verbal and physical abuse will join volunteers from the Domestic Violence Forum, Chorley Victim Support, The Hawthorn Centre, The Women's Centre and The Women's Refuge to raise awareness of what is often a hidden crime.

The group plans to march in the town centre on December 10, the final day of the international Domestic Violence Campaign, which will see various events taking place all over the globe over a 16-day period.

They will wear red and white T-shirts and carry white balloons, and hope to reach out to those suffering from verbal or physical abuse from their partners.

Jan Stanley, of Chorley Victim Support, said: "It normally takes a woman 36 times to be hit by her husband before she would think of reporting it.

"If just one woman or man sees us marching and comes and gets information about who they can talk to to get support then we have done our job.

"Even if they haven't removed themselves from a situation but just need someone to talk to, we're still there to help and won't be judgmental."

The campaign coincides with the Citizen's Tins and Toys Appeal, now in its third year, and we will once again be asking readers, local firms and other organisations in the community to bring in tins and toys for the Chorley Women's Refuge to help give its residents a happy Christmas.

The march, funded by Chorley and South Ribble Community Safety Partnership, will end at one of two churches currently in negotiation with organisers.

White leaves will be distributed to key stores and buildings in Chorley.

Mrs Stanley said: "We want people to write the names of people they know who have been victims of domestic violence or their thought about it on the leaves.

"We'll collect them and stick them on parasols to look like trees, which will symbolise the growth of victims who are recovering from domestic violence."

For 15 days before the march, posters and leaflets about domestic abuse will be available in all voluntary organisation in Chorley as part of the campaign.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle, who will join marchers, said: "It's a very important cause and no one wishes to see domestic violence taking place.

"It's important to make people aware that there is support out there.

"There's a directory, sponsored by Chorley Borough Council, which helps in ensuring people get information about the different groups available to them."

Look out next week for the launch of this year's Tins and Toys appeal, when we start collecting tins and toys for the families who are staying at Chorley Women's Refuge over the festive period.