The areas of Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale have among the highest number of recorded domestic abuse incidents in the county.

A poster campaign has been launched in the three districts to raise women and children's awareness of the help available to those suffering abuse.

The campaign will also inform women of the support available through the various schemes in the region.

Help is provided to abuse victims through various schemes in the region, including No. 31 and SODA in Sedgefield and No. 75 Domestic Abuse Support Service in Wear Valley.

Tracy Olley, domestic abuse coordinator, said: "Domestic abuse is endemic in our society and needs to be tackled not only through agencies like ours but by the general public standing up and saying that it is not acceptable."