WE think of violence in terms of street muggings or pub fights.

But, for an alarmingly high number of ordinary people, violence means home life.

In Bolton each week, 20 people will seek help after being attacked, abused or victimised by family members. Over the last 12 months, cases of domestic violence have rocketed by a third. An increasing number of victims are men -- almost one in four.

Staff from Bolton Victim Support Service dealt with 823 cases last year, with police referring at least one man a week to them. Manager Kath Bradley describes the situation as "shocking", and it certainly is. More shocking, perhaps, is the fact that these figures are only the tip of the iceberg.

Because of the private nature of such violence, many cases will never be reported. Embarrassment and shame at being the victims of attacks by their partners will stop many women -- and men -- from notifying any outside agency.

We live in stressful times, and it may not be surprising, then, that people bring stress home with them -- and take it out on their partners. The town's Victim Support Service is excellent, offering practical help and support, and a listening, sympathetic ear.

Domestic violence has always been with us, and it has always been behind closed doors. A woman will suffer such violence every 20 seconds, and two women a week will die as a result.

It is a real cause for concern that, in spite of all the publicity surrounding the subject and the help on offer today, cases are actually rising.

The latest figures show that, frighteningly, everyone will know someone who is the victim of violence in their own home.

Now, the message needs to be driven home, to both victim and perpetrator, that this behaviour is totally unacceptable. And that there is a system to help, and to punish those who think such violence constitutes normal behaviour.

Realism on truancy

BOLTON'S education chiefs are taking a realistic stance on the problem of truancy.

Social worker Ian Price says that Government figures showing falling rates are "nonsense" because there is no clear official explanation of what truancy really is. Now might well be a good time for a proper definition.