Wearside Women In Need is getting the support from Sunderland City Council to pay for research into the number of refuge places needed in the city.

The group will also compile information on its work with perpetrators of the crime and with children exposed to domestic violence.

Northumbria Police made 6,000 arrests for such offences in 2002 to 2003.

Figures show domestic violence also has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any crime.

Between April 2002 and April 2003 there were 21,000 incidents reported in the Northumbria Police area.

Vulnerable people

Chairman of Sunderland's policy and co-ordination review committee, Councillor John Donnelly, said: "As a community we must not close our eyes to domestic violence.

"I hope that work by our colleagues at Wearside Women In Need will highlight just where improvements can be made and resources applied to make a real difference."

Council leader Councillor Bob Symonds also welcomed the funding.

He said: "This demonstrates how, as a council, we're working to address the needs of people - particularly vulnerable members of society.

"I know there is much done already to tackle domestic violence, but we must always strive to reduce the scourge of domestic violence in this city."