The charity Shelter says more than a quarter of the region's 6,900 homeless families lost their homes following a relationship breakdown.

And the charity says the majority were as a direct result of domestic violence.

The charity is now calling on local councils to provide better support and counselling for violence-hit families.

Shelter says violent relationship breakdown is recognised as a strong factor for those who experience repeat homelessness.

A spokesman for the charity said: "The nightmare doesn't always end when someone finishes a violent relationship - often it can just be the beginning of a miserable journey through homelessness.

"The number of people going through this terrible ordeal is shocking as is the variation in figures across different regions.

"This demonstrates the desperate need for consistency across local authorities in the provision of appropriate services and support for people leaving a violent relationship, particularly in the area of housing."

In 2002 Shelter helped 130 people in the North East with housing problems linked to relationship breakdown and domestic violence, 56 of whom cited domestic violence as a problem.