A SERVICE that provides support and guidance for victims of domestic abuse is introducing drop-in sessions in the Sedgefield borough.

Number 31 and Soda, which stands for Survivors of Domestic Abuse, have developed an outreach service.

Regular drop-in sessions are planned in Ferryhill and Chilton, starting next month, with the West ward of Newton Aycliffe to follow.

Sedgefield borough has the highest number of reported incidents of domestic abuse in County Durham.

Between January and May this year, there was a ten per cent increase in incidents reported to Durham police, totalling 688.

Jo Caygill of Number 31 and Soda said: "These statistics suggest that more people are reporting incidents to the police and that incidents of domestic abuse are increasing.

"We definitely encourage people to report incidents to the police because it is a crime."

The service already holds drop-in sessions at its base in Newton Aycliffe town centre, but is hoping to reach more people in other parts of the borough.

Miss Caygill said: "With the new outreach services and drop-in sessions we expect that more people will develop the confidence to report incidents and have a wider range of knowledge about what services are available to help.

"If they cannot access the drop-in sessions we can arrange to meet at a safe place in their area. If people can't get to us, we like to think we can get to them."

Sessions will start at Ferryhill SureStart, Beaumont Road, on Friday, August 6, from 1pm to 3pm, and will be held every two weeks to November 26.

Chilton SureStart, at Chilton Community College, will also hold fortnightly sessions from Monday, August 9, from 1pm to 3pm, up to September 6. More dates will be confirmed later.

The group has joined with the West Ward Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Management Team, with a view to providing drop-in sessions from the Silverdale Community Centre, and expect to expand to other areas soon.

No appointments are necessary. Details are available from Jo Caygill on (01325) 317903 or by visiting www.sedgefield-dvf.org.