TWENTY people a week in Bolton seek help after being attacked, abused or victimised by their own family.

Cases of domestic violence in the town have rocketed by 33 per cent over the last 12 months, and an ever increasing number of victims are men.

Experts have described the increase in cases as "shocking" but fear the number of victims they see are only the tip of the iceberg.

On average 20 cases of domestic violence a week are referred to the town's Victim Support and Witness Service by the police.

Staff from the Bolton Victim Support Service dealt with 823 cases last year -- 190 more than during the previous year. Cases of men suffering domestic violence are also rising in Bolton as new national research claims nearly one in four have been physically hurt by a partner.

Police refer at least one man a week to Bolton's Victim Support and Witness Service. Kath Bradley, manager of the service, said: "The figures are very shocking."

"People should be much more aware of the extent of domestic violence. There may be no outward signs that a person is suffering and this is because it is not only physical, but mental and emotional."

Police figures reveal Greater Manchester records more domestic violence incidents than anywhere in the UK.

There were 51,448 cases reported last year -- a rise of 11 per cent from the 46,330 dealt with the previous year.

The number of cases has fallen in Bolton since the town topped the county's domestic violence league in 1995 and 1998, when nearly 6,000 cases where reported.

But today's figures show the problem still has not gone away.

Mrs Bradley added: "Reports of males suffering domestic violence are also on the increase. A lot of people may not believe that, but it is happening in Bolton more and more.

"Domestic violence goes across all classes and people are also reporting cases much more so it may be that more perpetrators are being taken to court."

Nationally, leading charities claim one in four women will suffer physical abuse from a partner during their lives. Figures reveal a women suffers domestic violence every 20 seconds and two women die every week as a consequence. One in every 50 is attacked by a current or ex-partner.

Addiction, stress, pressure, debt and mental problems are all said to be problems.

Mrs Bradley added: "We want victims of both sexes to know they can contact us confidentially for help and advice."

Bolton's Victim Support and Witness Service can be contacted on 01204 399736 and Fortalice, Bolton's refuge for abused women and their families, on 01204 365 677.