A HARD-HITTING domestic violence campaign is set to sweep Blackburn with Darwen to reassure victims that they are not alone.

Blackburn with Darwen Community Safety Partnership hopes to raise the profile of domestic abuse and encourage people to seek help.

Called Homecide, it will include posters on billboards and buses depicting wallpaper spattered with blood.

The campaign comes just a fortnight after the borough's largest landlord, Twin Valley Homes, warned it would evict people convicted of domestic violence.

The borough is one of the worst in the region for domestic violence.

Figures show 1,639 domestic violence incidents were recorded in Blackburn with Darwen last year, which works out at 75 per council ward -- 20 higher than the county average.

That figure is down on the previous year, when 2,043 were recorded, but still higher than the 2001 figure of 1,402.

The campaign will run throughout the year, and will also provide a contact number for people to use and report cases of domestic abuse.

By contacting the number 0808 2000247, people will be informed about a range of organisations set up to offer help and advice to victims.

Coun Andy Kay, chairman of the partnership, said: "Domestic abuse is often a hidden menace and those affected can spend years having their lives made hell.

"I hope that this campaign will open people's eyes and most importantly show those who are at the receiving end of abuse that they need not tolerate it.

"There are people out there who can help and the police will prosecute if given the opportunity. If this campaign encourages one victim to contact the support organisations then it may have saved a life."