A CAMPAIGN to combat domestic violence has been launched in Huddersfield.

A series of thought-provoking posters has been produced as part of the campaign spearheaded by Kirklees Domestic Violence Forum.

The posters, designed by Huddersfield-based design agency Atommedia, will feature on billboards and buses.

They will also be distributed to schools, health centres and libraries.

The posters highlight the effect of violence in the home on children and young adults - as well as encouraging victims to seek help.

One features a mobile phone text message with the ambiguous phrase: "UR dad's coming to get you, Mum".

Another shows a child wearing a breathing mask with the message: "He only wanted to help mummy".

Thelma Singleton, head of the Kirklees Domestic Violence Forum, said: "The call to action is big and bold and is aimed at informing children that they don't have to suffer in silence and that help is only a telephone call away."

She said the campaign also aimed to highlight some frightening statistics.

She said: "It is estimated that in homes where the mother was abused, more than half the children also faced a major risk of domestic violence.

"Children often try to intervene to protect the adult victim, which puts them in a dangerous situation where they don't stand a chance."

Ms Singleton said domestic violence incidents made up nearly a quarter of all violent crime.

She said: "One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime and one in 10 women will experience it every year.

"Abuse doesn't just come in the form of physical abuse.

"Psychological abuse can be even more damaging.

"The constant comments and put-downs eventually whittle away the person's self-esteem, leaving the victim feeling worthless, depressed and sometimes even suicidal.

"It shouldn't be this way."

Matthew Courtney, marketing manager for Atommedia, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, said: "This project has certainly opened our eyes to the effects of domestic violence and the facts are truly frightening.

"Hopefully our design will aid Thelma and her team in their fight against domestic violence in Kirklees."