A DRIVE to stamp out domestic violence in Stockton began yesterday after it emerged only one third of all victims can be accommodated in the local refuge because the situation is so bad.

Stockton Domestic Violence Forum launched the campaign in the town's High Street when the first of about 30 local buses to carry the poster message "Domestic Violence - are you living in fear? Don't suffer in silence" was unveiled.

The posters will be carried on the back of buses for at least a month to make people aware that a range of support is available to those affected by domestic violence.

Moira Massey, from Stockton's Women Refuge, said: "A campaign like this is very important. If it helps just one woman then it will have been worthwhile.

"In Stockton we see around 115 to 120 victims a month.

"In fact, the situation is so desperate we cannot accommodate one third of referrals and have to offer them accommodation elsewhere.

"There is a big problem in Stockton, as well as elsewhere around the country, and anyone can suffer from domestic violence.

"We hope this campaign will raise awareness of the issue and the steps sufferers can take to counter it."

The refuge will monitor the campaign on the buses and see how many more people come forward during the month.

Mrs Massey said: "There is a stigma attached to this kind of thing and it happens quite a lot of times before a victim will admit is happening to them.

"However, evidence shows that too many victims are not aware of the support available to them and we hope this campaign will help them."

Similar messages are also being included in payslips of about 8,000 Stockton Borough Council workers.

Advice cards, giving details of where those affected by domestic violence can find support, have also been produced and have been distributed to community centres, doctors, dentist surgeries and numerous other public places.

Mrs Massey said: "This is a very visual campaign and we just hope a victim sees the poster and decides it is time to do something about the violence they are suffering.