POLICE are reassuring women in Chorley that they can help if they are victims of domestic violence -- of which there are an estimated 6.6 incidents annually in the country.

Officers were disturbed to discover that in just one week alone in Lancashire 1,364 women sought help for domestic violence abuse.

Police warn that they take the issue seriously and are training staff in the fight against the crime.

Detective inspector Joyce Green, Lancashire Constabulary's domestic violence co-ordinator, said the figures were a "shocking reminder"of the scale of such abuse.

She said: "This type of abuse has a devastating effect on family life.

"It is far worse than violence that happens in the street inflicted by a stranger.

"In a home environment a person should be able to feel safe and secure. Domestic violence provides the complete opposite of this situation, inflicted by someone who should be loving and caring."

The figures were revealed in a seven day 'counting operation' which incorporated the International Domestic Violence Awareness Day.

The figures were collated throughout the countywide Lancashire Women and Violence Forum and represent referrals made to the agencies involved over the period.

Detective inspector Green added: "This operation has provided us with a valuable insight into the extent of domestic violence here in Lancashire.

"Having said that we recognise there is still vast under reporting. This happens for a variety of reasons. Often people are not aware of the support services available in Lancashire or they may feel unable to come forward to seek help.

"The clear message here is that they are not alone and there is support available."

Special help lines cover most of Lancashire and provide opportunities for people seeking help to link into other support services.

"There has been a significant increase in the quality of services provided to people suffering domestic violence over the last few years."

She concluded: "We are making it quite clear to everyone that domestic violence will be treated as a serious crime. We are providing the training and support to ensure our staff understand the complexity of domestic violence and take the appropriate action directed in our policies.