THREE domestic violence projects have been awarded £166,000 which will enable them to carry on their work in the North-East.

Middlesbrough Domestic Violence Forum, The Wave in North Tyneside, and Durham and Darlington Reducing Violence were among 36 projects to benefit from £2m Government funding.

The schemes were set up three years ago as part of the national Crime Reduction Programme's Violence Against Women project, but Government funding ran out earlier this year.

The new grants will help them work with local agencies to develop their services, or to secure ongoing funding to develop their work.

Middlesbrough Domestic Violence Forum was awarded £57,802 for My Sister's Place - a centre where women can receive advice and support.

As well as a drop-in centre, there are regular surgeries, solicitors' visits, witness services, refuge staff and social services.

The funding will pay the centre's running costs for the next six months.

Project co-ordinator Maria Hannaway, said: "We are constantly looking for new funding but it is very competitive out there. We are extremely pleased with the grant."

The Wave, which provides outreach support and advocacy for women affected by domestic violence, as well as group activities, training and information, was awarded £37,606.

Durham and Darlington Reducing Violence received £70,604. The project has a wide remit, which aims to provide an accurate picture of the nature and extent of domestic violence in County Durham and Darling- ton.

The information will enable agencies to provide a consistent standard of service.

Announcing the grants, Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said: "The Government is determined to support victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, and strive to find what works in tackling this pernicious problem.

"The findings from these projects may prove to be invaluable in determining what will really help women to report these crimes, complete a prosecution, how doctors can identify early signs of abuse and how the police could prevent repeat victimisation."

One in three women suffers from domestic violence at some time in her life.

The Home Office will publish a consultation paper later this year, setting out proposals to prevent domestic violence, provide increased support to victims and bring more perpetrators to justice.