Solicitor General Harriet Harman and Swindon Women's Refuge manager Jenni Manners are sharing a stage in Swindon today to talk about the forgotten victims of domestic violence.

The effects on children are the focus of the South West Regional Domestic Violence Conference, at the Hilton Hotel, where Solicitor General Ms Harman is due to address delegates from across the region, including 45 crime and disorder reduction partnerships.

Miriam Minty, crime reduction partnership manager at the Government's regional office in Bristol, said: "In the south west region 25 per cent of all violent crimes are incidents of domestic violence.

"Many partnerships in the region have identified domestic violence as a key priority."

The partnerships are made up of a variety of organisations including police, fire services, local authorities, welfare services and community groups who are likely to come across the problem.

"They have recognised that co-ordinated action, which will be one of the key issues at the conference, is needed to make an impact on tackling this grave issue and providing a range of appropriate resources to support victims of domestic violence and their families," said Miriam.

Last week, the Advertiser carried an appeal by Jenni Manners for more victims to come forward and bring their attackers to justice, after it was revealed that out of an estimated 10,825 cases last year, only 2,165 women had reported them.

Police figures showed an eight per cent increase compared with last year even though a national survey said only 20 per cent of incidents are ever reported to police.

Speakers at the conference will include Emma Churchill, head of the Home Office Domestic Violence Unit and violence survivor Michaela Manville.

Tina Clarke