DOMESTIC violence is something that happens in other people's homes.

Unfortunately, it is surprisingly common, and is likely to be occurring even as you read these words, possibly nearby.

Shock figures show that Bolton has the third highest domestic violence rate in Greater Manchester, with one in four local women possible abuse victims.

And the figure is likely to be even higher because many women are simply too scared to report their abusers to police.

We hope that a new multi-agency project to raise awareness and improve the way cases are handled in the courts will help this situation.

Certainly, anything which highlights the problem is very welcome, and we hope that it will make a difference.

Sadly, the situation is complex, and demands several different solutions.

Youngsters need early education on relationships and respect for partners. Females need to grow up knowing, too, that there are other alternatives to staying in a violent home.

They need to be aware of the positive, supportive approach available for them and their children at refuges like Bolton's own Fortalice.

The refuge itself needs more funding to extend its excellent but well-used facilities, to underpin current work and ensure that future projects become practical reality.

This new project is welcome because it will identify domestic violence cases and follow them through the courts.

But, we all urgently need a major change of perception on the gravity of violence in the home against women and children, backed by the funds to change it.