VICTIMS of domestic violence in Huddersfield could soon have "panic rooms" in their homes to protect themselves from abusive partners.

Kirklees Domestic Violence Forum co-ordinator Thelma Singleton has outlined plans to tackle what she describes as "a massive problem".

One new plan is to help abused partners feel safer when the culprit has been forced out of the house by fitting alarms, locks, toughening glass and even providing direct hot lines to social services.

And in the most extreme cases Mrs Singleton revealed the council would consider making one room in a house totally safe so anyone in fear could barricade themselves in and call for help.

Actress Jodie Foster starred in a film called The Panic Room, about a secret, secure hideout built into her family home.

Mrs Singleton added: "We would use these panic or safe rooms in only the most severe cases but there are times when they may be necessary.

"They would be particularly useful in remote areas and we certainly cover parts that are significantly far away from police stations.

"The room would include a door which opens out instead of in meaning it is more difficult to break down. There would also be a direct telephone line to a 24-hour call centre.

"We have also started making victims' homes safer. It is a better situation than having to move them in to a refuge because it keeps the children where they know, could mean an adult can still do a job and costs a lot less."

Last year more than 6,000 cases of violence or mental abuse were reported in Kirklees alone.

And now to meet new Government guidelines Kirklees Council is stepping up its battle against domestic violence.

But it is not just women who are the victims. Last year 14 men reported there were being abused at home.

"I don't think the crime itself is on the increase. I think it has become more acceptable to report it and put a stop to it," said Mrs Singleton.

"Nobody - man or woman - should have to put up with it in their own homes from the person they are supposed to be closest to.

"We work closely with victims and perpetrators to try and stop it. If people contact us we advise them. We cannot go to the police unless they want us to."

Clr Julie Stewart-Turner chaired a meeting of the Joint Community Safety Sub-Group focusing on how domestic violence should be approached.

She said: "We are planning to put much more literature in key areas where people who are victims can see them and hopefully do something about it."

* Anyone who is a concerned about domestic violence should contact the forum on 01484 223221.