MORE than 40,000 women in Dorset could be a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lives and the county is supporting a national campaign to highlight the issue.

The South West regional Domestic Violence Awareness Week runs from November 26-30 and coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 .

Events held across Dorset will put the spotlight on domestic violence - what it is, who can be affected and why it is important that it should not be tolerated.

Nicola Pengelly, Dorset County Council's domestic violence strategic coordinator, said: "Domestic violence is happening right now across Dorset to people we know. Abuse doesn't have to be physical, in fact, psychological abuse is more common and many victims tell us it is harder to recover from."

There will also be information on where victims, survivors and their children can get help.

Dorset's new advice leaflet for victims of domestic violence will be formally launched during the week and will be available at council offices, Dorset County Hospital, some GP surgeries and minor injuries units, Citizens Advice Bureaux and exhibitions being held across Dorset.

The campaign will also highlight that men can be victims too. A recent study estimated a million children nationally are living with domestic violence.

All Dorset councils now offer sanctuary schemes to help victims stay safely in their homes, should they wish to do so.

  • Tuesday November 27: Drop in at the Regent Centre, Christchurch from 10am-3pm. Contact Steve Welsby, East Dorset District Council on 01202 639034.
  • Wednesday November 28: Display at Lidl, Ferndown, from 10am-2pm. Contact Steve Welsby, East Dorset District Council on 01202 639034.
  • Friday November 30: Display at Sainsburys Christchurch from 10am-1pm. Contact Steve Welsby, East Dorset District Council on 01202 639034.
  • Friday November 30: North Dorset Forum Event at the Methodist Hall, Gillingham from 12pm-4pm. Contact Sara Jacson on 01747 853688.
  • Friday 30 November: North Dorset Refuge 5th Birthday Party, Shaftesbury. Contact Lucy Walker-Dart on 01747 858555.