A PROJECT to help combat domestic violence in Swindon will be discussed this week.

At a council meeting on Thursday, the Chief Constable of the Wiltshire Constabulary, Elizabeth Neville, will address members on current police and community safety issues, including domestic violence.

Setting up a Domestic Violence Intervention Unit would help identify high risk families and repeat victims. Once data has been collected, the next step would be intervention.

Coun Derek Benfield (Lab, Covingham and Nythe) said: "Domestic violence is more widespread in our community than most people appreciate.

"It is often discovered in the first instance by the local authority, doctors, hospitals, schools and neighbours, but unfortunately the police are usually the last to know."

Last year there were 5,550 reports of domestic violence in Swindon and Wiltshire with half being repeat victims.