The film depicts the effects of domestic violence on young people

The feature, Victims of Silence, has been produced by young actors from the Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, at the request of Durham Police.

The aim is to help teachers deal with pupils affected by domestic violence.

Another 20 forces in the UK have been so impressed, they will use the film to raise awareness of the issue.

The 15-minute feature shows how domestic violence affects a young boy at home, when he goes to school, and his relationships with his girlfriend and friends.

Durham Police domestic violence strategic co-ordinator Rachel Green said the film will be shown to all children aged over 13 in the county.

'Way of life'

She said: "It is very realistic because it is shown from a young person's point of view.

"The unfortunate thing is that if you are living in an environment where domestic violence occurs all the time, you think it is a way of life and acceptable.

"We are saying that domestic violence is not acceptable in any form, and it has a profound effect on children, and we want children to have a positive future and a happy future."

The film is being presented on Friday to an audience of about 80 teachers, school counsellors and governors, and education welfare officers.

Each delegate will be given a resource pack with CD-Rom, lesson plans and guidance on how best to use the video in a school setting.