THE need for a council policy on domestic violence has been highlighted by a review group set up by Darlington Borough Council's social affairs and health scrutiny committee.
It concluded the authority should adopt a strategy to address domestic violence, subject to finance being available.
It also said it should formalise involvement with the Darlington Domestic Violence Forum, set up in 1999.
National research suggests one in four women will suffer domestic violence at some time in their lives, which means council staff in all departments will come into contact with people experiencing domestic violence.
The group's report suggested staff were made aware of the scale of the problem, its consequences and effects, and what help is available.
The responsibilities of the authority as an employer in relation to domestic violence were also highlighted.
The findings will be considered by the social affairs and health scrutiny committee next Tuesday.
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