A CAMPAIGN to promote a new national domestic violence helpline has won support in North Yorkshire.

The helpline is run jointly by the charities Refuge and Women's Aid and has been given full backing by the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership.

By calling (0808) 2000 247 domestic violence victims can get direct access to 24- hour emergency refuge accommodation as well as an information service.

The line is supported by the partnership through the work of its own domestic violence co-ordinator, Fred Callaghan.

He is one of three co-ordinators working in North Yorkshire to ensure the county has an adequate response to incidents of abuse in the home.

"This new helpline creates a single unique and free telephone service for women and children suffering from domestic violence," he said.

"It is vital that we support the work of these charities. Domestic violence is often a hidden problem.

"We hope that our work will help improve support for victims and reduce levels in North Yorkshire.

"We are looking to bring it more into the public domain by working not just with sufferers but with perpetrators as well."

Mr Callaghan can be contacted on (01748) 829118.