THE future of a centre helping the victims of domestic violence has been secured following a funding boost.

The one-stop My Sister's Place advice centre, in Middlesbrough, has received a £57,802 Home Office grant.

Set up 18 months ago, organisers saw 178 women in the first year, 38 per cent of whom successfully obtained injunctions.

"This is such an important project which throws a lifeline to women and their children who are trying to escape the vicious circle of violence in the home," said Becky Rogerson, vice-chairwoman of the Middlesbrough Domestic Violence Forum.

"The last thing they need is a long, exhaustive search for help. And in the past, many women have had to approach up to ten different agencies for advice and support under extremely difficult and in some circumstances highly dangerous conditions.''