A GUIDANCE manual for social services and the police, containing advice on helping victims of domestic violence, was launched yesterday.

The guide has been issued to agencies in County Durham, where every year more than 7,000 incidents of abuse in the home are reported to the police. The book explains appropriate action which can be taken to safeguard adults or children who are under threat and covers issues such as the effect of domestic abuse on children, how vital information should be recorded and confidentiality maintained.

The 140-page document also offers the victim alternative solutions to the problem other than trying to simply walking away.

Durham Police's full-time domestic violence co-ordinator Rachel Green said: "Although more than 7,000 incidents are reported to the police in County Durham and Darlington each year, the crime is traditionally under-reported. The true figure is likely to be much higher.

"On average, a woman can be assaulted by her partner or ex-partner up to 35 times before she feels able to report what is happening. The guidance manual should help shape a consistent and unified approach to what is a very serious issue."

The book forms part of a Government-funded initiative and is being distributed to all social services departments, the police and voluntary groups working in the field.

It was originally produced in Teesside by local area child protection committees, Tees Health Authority and the NSPCC.