A group of organisations in Gateshead will use the funding from the Northern Rock Foundation to set up a Domestic Abuse Rapid Response Service (DARRS).

The funding will be used to work with those who have suffered attacks, perpetrators and children.

It will offer help in the 24 hours after an incident.

Gateshead Domestic Violence Forum, which includes Gateshead Council, Northumbria Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, Gateshead Health Trusts, voluntary organisations and local solicitors, will receive the funding over five years.

Innovative project

The help will include ensuring the safety of those who have been attacked and making it more likely that a successful prosecution can be obtained.

The service will be open from 1000 BST until 0200 BST, seven days a week, and those who make a 999 call during that time as a result of domestic abuse will receive a direct response.

Any children affected will be given direct support and there will be support for offenders as well to address their behaviour positively.

A management committee will be set up to oversee the project, with members from the Gateshead Domestic Violence Forum. The project will be led by Aquila Housing Association.

Aquila Housing Association director Jo Grant said: "We're delighted to be the first to win support through Northern Rock Foundation's domestic violence initiative and we look forward to working with the Foundation to develop DARRS and to share its lessons through the region and nationally."

Northern Rock Foundation launched its �4m domestic abuse intervention initiative in March 2004. It invited bids from groups of organisations aiming to give support to victims of domestic abuse as soon as they asked for help.