BOLTON has become the domestic violence capital of Greater Manchester. Last year more than 126 cases PER WEEK were reported to police. Local police were called to 6,574 cases of domestic violence last year, compared to 4,150 in 1995.

And other frontline agencies dealing with the problem have also noticed a marked increase in the number of women asking for help.

A council report says Bolton has the worst record in Greater Manchester. But those in the field believe the shocking official figures are just the tip of the iceberg and thousands more Bolton women are suffering in silence.

A spokesman for Bolton's refuge, Fortalice, pointed out that national figures suggest one in three women suffer verbal, physical or sexual abuse at the hands of their partners.

The spokesman said: "We never really know the level of violence because it is such a hidden crime

"But we do know Bolton has the highest number of reported incidents in the Greater Manchester area.

"We are not sure if there is more violence in Bolton or if more is reported because the awareness and support is greater."

Agencies involved with domestic violence are so concerned they are set to carry out a major review of services available.

Bolton council's housing department, which has seen the number of families made homeless through domestic violence rise by a third since 1995, is leading the review. work has already started in the Asian community where there is concern over the increasing number of women from ethnic minorities coming forward.

And services for children will also be looked at. A Fortalice worker said: "We always thought the children were okay as long as they were not being hit. Now we know they are not okay. Living in an atmosphere of fear can be very traumatic and damaging for children." Fortalice say women from all walks of life are beaten by their partners but there is an increase in the number of older women coming forward, including one woman of 83.

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