POLICE are hoping to reach victims of domestic violence by targeting hospitals.

Offers of support and advice for patients affected by crime are to be beamed to hospital bedside screens and televisions following the launch of a police initiative.

Messages will be displayed at regular intervals and will include details of useful telephone numbers such as the Women's Aid national helpline or the address of a website for people suffering physical, sexual or emotional abuse in County Durham and Darlington, which is www.dvrealityrevealed.org.

The website includes guidance on matters including legal advice, child contact and temporary housing.

It is hoped by making information about domestic violence available in hospitals it will be seen by victims who may have sought medical attention without reporting any incident to the police. Between April last year and March this year there were a total of 7,551 domestic incidents reported to Durham Police.

The campaign was launched yesterday at the University Hospital of North Durham, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the University Hospital, Hartlepool, formerly Hartlepool General.

Inspector Neil Malkin, a member of the multi-agency team behind the hospital campaign and website, said they were trying to reach as wide an audience as possible.

He said: "The police approach to domestic violence has changed dramatically over the past ten years and we hope women now have greater confidence in being able to come forward and report incidents."

To contact the Women's Aid helpline ring 08457 888 222.