A SCHEME in Bury to help combat domestic violence has been awarded a Government cash boost.

Violence Against Women, a project based in the accident and emergency department at Bury General Hospital, is to receive £19,408.

The cash is part of a £2m Government cash boost to help 36 research projects into domestic violence across the country.

The projects were set up three years ago to research the best ways of cutting domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. Some have identified a local need for services on a continuing basis. The extra funding will help the projects work with existing local bodies to develop their services.

Home Office Minister Lord Falconer said: "The Government is determined to support victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, and strive to find what works in tackling this pernicious problem.

"The findings from these projects may prove to be invaluable in determining what will really help women to report these crimes and complete a prosecution and how doctors can identify early signs of abuse."

It could also help the police to prevent repeat victimisation.

"Many of these projects have scope to be developed into mainstream, ongoing services. I am pleased that we can support them in this work," he added.

"The Government is committed to tackling these issues and I am pleased to support these vital services at a local level. I also urge Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships to give careful consideration to what lessons can be learned from local initiatives like these, and ways they can support them in the future.

"Domestic violence is an evil crime and we will not tolerate it. The Home Office will shortly publish a consultation paper, setting out proposals to prevent domestic violence, provide increased support to victims and bring more perpetrators to justice."