A POLICY to reduce domestic violence in Darlington will also include borough council employees.

The council's intention to offer support to victims was welcomed by members of its health scrutiny committee, but there was concern about how council workers who were perpetrators of domestic violence would be dealt with under the policy. Lesley Blundell, the council's human resources manager, said it was a conduct issue which could, depending on the circumstances, result in disciplinary action. She said employees would be made aware of the council's policy on domestic violence.

A final draft of the policy is expected to be ready soon.