A COUNTYWIDE campaign to tackle domestic abuse has been launched.

The North Yorkshire and York Domestic Abuse Strategy aims to provide help and services to victims of domestic abuse and their children.

Organisations involved in the strategy, launched at police headquarters at Newby Wiske, near Northallerton, yesterday, will also educate children and work with perpetrators.

Ann Naylor, from Women's Aid, said the strategy would bring together organisations and co-ordinate their responses to the problem.

She said: "Domestic abuse has an impact on the lives of thousands of adults and children. Its effects are far reaching and for too long the issue has been ignored by wider society.

"The Government is now determined to prevent domestic abuse from happening or recurring and has pledged to protect and support all victims.

"This domestic abuse strategy identifies locally and regionally the multi-agency collaborative approach required to ensure that prevention and support for victims is a priority.

"It also outlines the accountability that each agency should take with regard to direct service delivery and its response to victims."

The launch of the strategy is the latest in a series of initiatives in North Yorkshire to tackle domestic abuse.

Last month, Hambleton Community Safety Partnership launched a campaign to raise awareness of the problem.

Posters were printed for Valentine's Day bearing a single red rose and the words 'hit me, kick me, punch me, love me'.

Further posters will be released in time for Mother's Day, Father's Day and school holidays.

Catherine McNaughton, partnership domestic abuse co-ordinator, said many victims failed to report incidents of domestic violence.

"They accept this as a way of life and are often too afraid of the consequences to come forward and report it. We are here to help. No one should live in a home of fear," she said.

A recent study found that 75 per cent of domestic violence incidents were fuelled by alcohol.

By calling (0808) 200 0247 domestic violence victims can get direct access to 24-hour emergency refuge accommodation as well as an information service.