Two women a week are killed by a partner or ex-partner, say police

Helpline numbers will be displayed on the tip-up seats in 360 of London's black cabs and on special taxi fare receipts.

One cab will carry the number on its paintwork.

The year-long pilot scheme will also give new cab drivers an "awareness" talk as part of their training.

All 26,000 London cabbies will be provided with a checklist of "do's and dont's" if they believe a passenger may be the victim of domestic violence.

Barbara Roche, minister for social exclusion, said she hoped the initiative would help provide women at risk with information when they needed it most.

Scheme 'welcomed'

"By the nature of their job, cab drivers may encounter women at risk.

"We're not asking them to become counsellors but by using special taxi receipts or driving them to the nearest hospital or police station, they could be helping someone into a safer future."

The helplines being publicised are run by Refuge and Women's Aid, who provide support for victims of domestic violence.

Refuge chief executive Sandra Horley said it welcomed the scheme.

"Deciding to leave a relationship, or even just speaking to someone about the abuse, is a courageous step.

"We are confident the initiative will encourage women to break their isolation and seek valuable, life-saving support."