Darlington Domestic Violence Forum has a new co-ordinator after ten months without anyone in charge.

Joy Easterby has taken over from Claire Seymour, who stepped down when funding for the post ran out last year.

Ms Easterby, who has worked with the forum for two years, is a trained counsellor and has worked with several voluntary organisations.

She said: "There have been some difficulties without a co-ordinator, but because the forum was well-established, other people have taken on bits of the co-ordinator's role.

"However, now I have been appointed to this post we will be working even harder to provide a high level of service.

Ms Easterby, who is based at SureStart, helped pilot the Freedom programme in Darlington, a course that helps victims break free from violence in the home.

During the next two years, she will help launch Darlington's policy on domestic violence, aimed at developing a consistent approach among the agencies who deal with abuse.

She said: "My aim is to reduce domestic violence and improve the life of and services to survivors of domestic abuse. I hope to achieve this through a programme of training and awareness raising."

The forum was set up in June 1999. As well as a helpline, it runs a website which to date has been visited by more than 10,000 people, both victims and professionals.

For details contact Ms Easterby on (01325) 487718 or via the website at www.ddvf.org.