Bradford is bidding for a slice of £4.5million worth of Government cash to help domestic violence victims stay in their own homes.

The Staying Put project will offer help to women who want to flee violent partners without the need to move into a refuge or temporary accommodation.

It would be based in Bradford's Odsal Police division and would include the setting up of a round-the-clock helpline for victims.

Anna Green, Bradford Council's domestic violence strategic co-ordinator, said: "The aim is to enable more women to have the option of remaining in their own homes, instead of going to a refuge or other temporary accommodation.

"The project will improve service accessibility through the setting up of a 24-hour helpline which will act as a central referral point.

"It will increase the safety of women fleeing domestic violence and the options open to them, while providing support for children."

Project workers will use existing legislation to remove the perpetrator from the home while putting protection, safety and support measures in place for the victim.

Only 10 to 15 projects nationwide will be awarded a grant from the Home Office Crime Reduction Partnership fund.

The grants - which are part of the Government's Reducing Violence Against Women Initiative - will last from June 2000 to March 2002.

To qualify, projects must focus on protecting women from their partners and reducing repeat victimisation.

The application for Bradford was put together by the Council following consultation with more than 20 agencies across the district.

These include Bradford Community Health Trust, the Crown Court Witness Service, NSPCC, Women's Aid, West Yorkshire Police and local solicitors.

The deadline for submission of bids is April 17 and applicants will hear whether they have been successful later this year.

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