THE idea of a wife battering her husband has long been the stuff of comedian's jokes. But violence in the home is never funny.

Now, in the wake of a Government initiative called Living Without Fear, which involves a £6 million cash injection to agencies tackling domestic violence and aimed at helping women, local experts warn that there's also a problem in reverse.

Lesley Daniels from the Bolton branch of Victim Support warns that more cases of husband-battering are emerging in Bolton houeholds. Even Fortalice, Bolton's hostel for battered women and their children, reports contact "from time to time" by men on the receiving end of regular blows.

In similar vein, although more sinister, the rise of girl gangs has brought a different kind of violence to our streets.

This general trend may well come as no surprise to many people. Like some other modern "problems," it is only the spotlight that is new. The problem was always there, often lurking behind closed doors.

And it is certainly no wonder, in these days of equality and tough competition, that females of all ages are reflecting the general mood of aggression.

The good news here is not only that the matter is out in the open, but that such a practical initiative could now make a real difference in many households, for women and men.

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