HELP is now on the cards for people suffering from domestic violence in Southampton.

A new service to help tackle the problem - and make people aware of the help that is available locally - was unveiled this week.

Southampton's Domestic Violence Forum is working with the city's Social Cohesion Service to promote awareness of the help that is at hand for domestic violence victims.

A directory and small "take-away" cards are being made available in locations across the city, including GP surgeries and health centres, libraries and social service reception areas, to encourage people to reach out for help.

The directory of domestic violence and the "take-away" information cards are a result of Southampton's Strategy Against Domestic Violence.

The strategy has five objectives, one of which is to raise awareness of the problem in the city and the services that are available.

According to the latest statistics, there were 2,825 incidents of domestic violence reported to Hampshire police in 2000 - an average of 54 reports every week.

The British Crime Survey states that about 35 per cent of incidents are actually reported - suggesting an actual figure of more than 8,000 in Southampton in 2000 - or 156 incidents per week.

Co-chairman of Southampton Domestic Violence Forum Satty Basra said: "We must reduce the number of people experiencing domestic violence and encourage them to come forward earlier.

"The directory and 'take-away' cards will provide a valuable starting point for those seeking help."

Information on the directory, "take-away" cards and Domestic Violence Strategy is available from development officer Sarah Lawrence on 023 8083 2468.