DOMESTIC violence remains rife in Bolton — with a police unit arresting six people in just one week.

Between November 4 and November 11, 26 arrests were made by Bolton North neighbourhood policing team, and six related to domestic violence.

In that short period, four men, aged 24, 24, 31 and 41, were arrested for assaulting their partners.

A 20-year-old woman was arrested for assaulting her partner and obstructing a police officer, while a 50-year-old woman was arrested for an assault against her son.

Now two victims are staging a pamper event at a women-only facility in Deane as part of the domestic violence campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

Wendy Shepherd and Jenny Vinning say they both know how it feels to be a domestic violence victim and that a lot of women are embarrassed and scared to report what is happening to them.

Ms Shepherd, from Daubhill, said: "My friend and I have both had it happen to us so we decided to do something together.

"We know how women feel in this position as we have experienced it ourselves.

"We want to do a lot of things to help other women.

"A lot of women are embarrassed or scared to speak out so that is what we are trying to encourage."

The event, which is for women only, runs from 12.30pm to 3pm on December 5, at Christine Partington House in Wellfield Road, Deane.

Massages, face masking, nail art and holistic therapies will be on offer, as well as a presentation about domestic violence.

Ms Shepherd added: "This pamper event is a start but we hope to do other things in the future.

"It could be that people go away from it and think, 'that could be happening to me' and that they do something about it."

The campaign hopes to raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We takes domestic abuse extremely seriously and help is available for you.

"Everyone has a right to live in safety and have a future without fear.

"Our aim is to work with our partners to help stop the abuse so victims can regain control of their lives and move forwards to a safer, happier future.

"It's important to break the silence and talk to someone — friends, family, GP, colleagues, neighbours — as many abusers rely on silence to continue the abuse."

Police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Domestic violence affects everyone in the home

“I urge anyone who is being subjected to domestic abuse in any of its forms to report it, safe in the knowledge that they will be supported and listened to."