PUB landlords have joined a campaign to call time on domestic violence in York.

More than 50 licensees will publicise a new service to help violent men tackle their behaviour.

Posters and leaflets will be put in pubs and clubs urging those who know they have a problem to change it.

The anti-violence drive has been launched by the NSPCC and the probation service, with the help of the city's licensing officer PC Ashley Fitzhugh.

Richard Edwards, who work's with the NSPCC's York Men's Group, said: "We know there are men out there who are aware they have a problem with violence and want to do something about it.

"We want to make it clear that alcohol in itself does not cause violence, although some men use alcohol as an excuse."

The move comes at the same time as the Crown Prosecution Service has been given new, tougher rules for dealing with cases involving domestic violence.

David Calvert-Smith, the Director of Public Prosecutions, said there needed to be a "sea change" in the way society considered domestic violence, similar to swing of opinion against drink-driving.

"Domestic violence accounts for a quarter of reported violent crime. It is overwhelmingly perpetrated by men on women Every week there are two domestic homicides," he added.

He has launched a new policy on prosecuting such cases, following extensive consultation. It focuses on issues which include victims' priorities of safety, support and information.

The definition of domestic violence takes in abuse involving a current or former partner, and of abuse involving other family members, including in-laws, regardless of the age or gender of the victim or perpetrator.

Mr Calvert-Smith said: "Guidance has also been issued to prosecutors to alert them to potential issues that might arise in a particular case of domestic violence; for example, the effect of domestic violence on children, the difficulties that might be faced by ethnic minority groups, and the relevance of civil legislation."

Updated: 12:18 Friday, November 30, 2001