TWO of the biggest employers in Darlington have joined forces to combat domestic violence in the town.

Every month there are between 160 and 180 domestic violence incidents in the town and nationally two women are killed by their partners every day.

Domestic violence has a profound effect on children and one in four women will be on the receiving end of aggression too often dismissed as "just a domestic".

But now more than 5,000 people at Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Primary Care Trust have signed up to a policy which aims to wipe out family violence.

The policy, drafted by the Domestic Violence Forum aims to increase awareness and reduce tolerance of domestic violence; improve the safety and welfare of all victims; develop the means to reduce and prevent incidents; support staff and the general public who fall prey to domestic violence, take action against staff who are perpetrators; and provide information on rights to help victims make informed choices.

Domestic violence occurs across society, though victims are predominantly women.

Deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council and non-executive director of Darlington PCT, Bill Dixon, said: "For too long too many people have failed to consider domestic violence a crime. But we wouldn't tolerate it if it happened on High Row so why should we tolerate it just because it happens at home? The answer is we shouldn't and we won't. Victims no longer need to suffer in silence."

Chairman of Darlington PCT, Sandra Pollard, said: "It is particularly significant to sign this now. It is sad but true that more domestic violence happens at Christmas and I hope this new agreement will lead to a significant reduction of violence at home."

Darlington Domestic Violence Forum co-ordinator, Joy Easterby, said initiatives introduced recently were having an impact.

The Advice Circle, introduced at McNay Street SureStart, gives victims access to legal and non-legal advice.

Ms Pollard said: "This has managed to reduce the amount of repeat domestic violence."

Phone the Advice Circle on (01325) 487718, or drop in on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am.