A unique system allowing cases of domestic violence to be reported online has been launched in the region.

Darlington Domestic Violence Forum has decided to provide the service to make it easier for anyone concerned about violence to report their fears.

Any information left on the website will be handed over to the police, who are working closely with the forum to fight violence.

It is hoped the system will help in the battle to make domestic violence an unacceptable crime in the community and encourage more people to shop those who are violent towards their partner.

Speaking recently about attitudes to domestic violence, Solicitor General Harriet Harman QC said: "If you see someone burgling your neighbour you don't think 'Shall I intervene?' A man who beats his wife is a violent criminal. a criminal in the same way a burglar is."

Anyone will be able to log onto the new service to report violent incidents, whether they are the victim, a family member or a neighbor.

The opportunity will also be given for information to be supplied anonymously on the secure site, making it safer for people to report their fears.

However it has been stressed that in an emergency people should continue to dial 999.

The system will be available on the Darlington Domestic Violence Forum website for a two month trial period and if it proves successful it could be extended to other areas of the region.

Councillor Bill Dixon, a supporter of the forum said: "The increased use of technology will help us eradicate this crime from our society."

The forum was also the first in the country to allow victims of domestic violence to start getting an injunction against a violent partner on the Internet.

It is hoped making more facilities available over the Internet for victims of domestic violence will allow them to get help safely as they can access advice either from home or from public places like libraries and council offices.

The website can be found at www.ddvf.org and the domestic violence helpline is on (01325) 364486.