PEOPLE affected by domestic violence in Wiltshire will be getting more support this year thanks to increased Government funding.

Wiltshire County Council has been given an extra £21,000 to tackle violence in the home.

Community safety manager Pippa McVeigh said: "Domestic violence seriously impacts on the lives of many individuals and families.

"This funding will enable partner agencies to deliver even better support to the individuals affected by this issue, but will also raise awareness that help is available."

The money will be used to provide alarms for vulnerable people and counselling for youngsters affected by violence.

Some will also go towards a programme for perpetrators that aims to try and solve the problems at source.

In Wiltshire and Swindon alone nearly 6,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported last year. National estimates suggest only 20 per cent of incidents are reported, putting the real figure in the county at about 30,000 per year.

The minimum annual cost of domestic violence in Wiltshire and Swindon is over £26m.