A new campaign to help the victims of domestic violence "stay put" in their homes starts today.

Women's campaigners, the police and other agencies are launching Staying Put in the Bradford South police division, backed by a £430,000 Government grant.

Last year police recorded 1,400 domestic-violence incidents in the division, which includes Odsal, Holme Wood, Wibsey and Queens-bury. The aim is to support those women who want to stay in their own homes rather than flee to a women's refuge.

"This is a different approach," said Jane Liddell, co-ordinator of the Staying Put scheme.

"We know refuges work, but a lot of women don't want to leave their homes because it means the children have to change schools, leave their pets, toys and bedrooms - it's very disruptive.

"It seems unfair the victim has to lose everything. It's much more appropriate for the perpetrator to change his behaviour."

She said the project would support those women who stayed put and took criminal or civil proceedings against their partner.

Equally, if the couple were willing to resolve their problems, men could be referred by the project to a voluntary domestic-violence programme to help them change.

Ms Liddell said that 'Staying Put' was not suitable for everyone.

"For some women, leaving home is what they need to do, because the risks are so high," she said. "But we will work with those women for whom it's safe to stay and who have decided to stay."

The £430,000 Home Office cash will also pay for better security at the homes of women victims.

Experts from Nottingham and Coventry universities will evaluate the effects of the year-long project.

"I think the evaluation will show that women need this sort of service in their own homes, and that will lead to more projects nationwide," Ms Liddell said.

A 24-hour free helpline is being set up, run by Bradford Council's Careline service. Police will be giving out new calling cards, advertising the programme, after attending domestic incidents.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Dodd, crime manager for Bradford South police, said victims of domestic violence should come forward and report incidents on the first occasion and not wait for months.

"Victims should have confidence that the police will deal very firmly with offenders," he said. "They should not suffer in silence."

The free and confidential helpline number is 0800 085 6206.