COURT staff are being given special training to help tackle the growing problem of domestic violence in Bolton.

Bolton Magistrates Court, along with other affected groups, is set to implement a multi-agency approach to the problem.

Magistrates and clerks at the courts have undergone special training and its hoped that the new approach will help in improved co-ordination and exchange of information between different agencies.

As reported in the BEN earlier this month all the agencies, including courts, police and the probation service signed up to the Strategic Long Term Response initiative.

The aim is that all the professionals involved in trying to reduce domestic violence will have a greater understanding of each other's roles.

As reported in the BEN, Bolton's top police officer has admitted the number of reported incidents of domestic violence in the town is "just the tip of the iceberg".

Chief Supt Mel Pelham's chilling claim came as he addressed delegates at the launch of a pioneering project to clamp down on thugs who attack their partners.

Statistics showed up to 5,000 victims had contacted the police over the last year.

Bolton has the third highest number of domestic violence attacks in Greater Manchester.

Earlier this month representatives of the Domestic Violence Court Project gathered at the town hall to mark the official launch of the initaitive which will offer increased support to victims. Chilling COURT staff are being given special training to help tackle the growing problem of domestic violence in Bolton.

Bolton Magistrates Court, along with other affected groups, is set to implement a multi-agency approach to the problem.

Magistrates and clerks at the courts have undergone special training and its hoped that the new approach will help in improved co-ordination and exchange of information between different agencies.

As reported in the BEN earlier this month all the agencies, including courts, police and the probation service signed up to the Strategic Long Term Response initiative.

The aim is that all the professionals involved in trying to reduce domestic violence will have a greater understanding of each other's roles.

As reported in the BEN, Bolton's top police officer has admitted the number of reported incidents of domestic violence in the town is "just the tip of the iceberg".

Chief Supt Mel Pelham's chilling claim came as he addressed delegates at the launch of a pioneering project to clamp down on thugs who attack their partners.

Statistics showed up to 5,000 victims had contacted the police over the last year.

Bolton has the third highest number of domestic violence attacks in Greater Manchester.

Earlier this month representatives of the Domestic Violence Court Project gathered at the town hall to mark the official launch of the initaitive which will offer increased support to victims.