YORK'S new police chief vowed today to crack down on the domestic violence which is scarring the lives of families across the city.

Superintendent Jim Kilmartin spoke out as shock new figures revealed that violent incidents within the home in York are running at more than THREE a day.

Police were called out to 120 such cases in January and to another 106 in February - mostly, but not exclusively, against women.

In three incidents in January, implements such as baseball bats and knives were used or threatened against family members.

Supt Kilmartin said he was determined to work with York's new Domestic Violence Forum, a partnership involving more than 50 organisations, to combat the problem.

And the Superintendent, who has just been confirmed as the permanent Commander of police in the York division, announced a new three-point plan:

Victims of domestic violence will be sent follow-up letters from police, offering them support and advice, while the perpetrators of violence will receive a separate letter, warning them against a repeat of such behaviour.

In cases where police are called out a second time or they have other concerns, officers will be expected to pay regular visits in future to ensure victims are safe and remind violent offenders of their interest.

If the problem continues, police will discuss with victims whether legal steps such as injunctions or charges of harassment should be taken to assist.

Officers will attend a workshop on April 15 at York police station, during which they will learn how they are expected to help tackle the problem. "Ever since I arrived in York, I have said that violence in the city is unacceptable. One aspect over the past few months has been violence on the street, but I believe that violence in the home causes greater trauma."

Supt Kilmartin's comments come as City of York Council's Women's Working Group seeks to combat violence in the home by setting up the Domestic Violence Forum.

One of the key aims of this has been to raise awareness and make victims more aware of the services available to them, including legal remedies to violence.

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