THE number of domestic violence victims seeking refuge in Blackburn with Darwen has almost doubled in the last year, a support group has revealed.

Women's Aid Blackburn with Darwen said it was "extremely alarmed" by the increase in women and children who are coming forward for support and shelter.

The reported increase comes a day after the Telegraph revealed a funding crisis was threatening Women's Aid's future. The group has just six weeks to find £40,000 or it could be forced to cut services.

Women's Aid said there has been a rise of 82 per cent in women and children seeking refuge in safe houses in the last 12 months. Many were also affected by sexual abuse.

And the voluntary organisation said it was stunned when recently compiled figures showed a 200 per cent increase in domestic abuse referrals during the World Cup.

In the last year the organisation has handled 1,173 referrals - or 22 women every week. There have also been 1,403 children through the centre's doors.

Vivien Blackledge, Women's Aid project manager, said: "We are seeing domestic abuse in many different forms here and worryingly more and more women seem to be telling us that they have been affected by sexual offences.

"During the World Cup, with increased drinking and people's heightened emotions, there was a massive increase in the number of women seeking help."

Det Insp Jim Elston of the police's public protection unit, said there had been a rise of one third in the number of incidents reported during the World Cup.

He said: "Police will continue to work with the victims and take positive actions against the perpetrators."

l For further information on Women's Aid call 01254 269591.