SIR - With regards to your report "Staying put" (T&A, September 18) it is a shocking statistic that almost one million children are living with domestic violence.

The majority of irresponsible parents should remember that a child is a "gift from God" and needs nurturing, just like plants need water and pets need food.

It is disappointing that most incidents are drug and alcohol related, therefore the children are suffering.

Also, until drug and alcohol abuse is addressed with new laws then nothing will change. It also seems to be that grandparents have to help out more with family problems with the grandchildren when they should be enjoying their well-earned retirement.

What people should remember is that children should always come first.

Mrs S May, Whernside Mount, Horton Bank Top, Bradford