THE Worcestershire Forum against Domestic Abuse has announced its new patron.

Elizabeth Hunter, the High Sheriff for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, took on the role of patron after hearing about the valuable work done by the group.

Mrs Hunter said: “Like many people I have, thankfully, never experienced or witnessed domestic abuse but as a wife, mother, grandmother - and a human being - the enormity of the issue is one that we cannot ignore.

“Domestic abuse has a profoundly damaging effect on many people’s lives and I hope that as patron of the forum, I can support the excellent work they do to raise awareness of the issue.”

The forum was set up in 1996 after an inter-agency conference which established the need for a formal body to tackle the issue of domestic abuse in the county.

During 2008/09 there were 1,525 reported domestic abuse crimes and incidents in Worcester alone, of which 81 per cent involved female victims.

The forum is also keen to target male victims of domestic abuse.

Twelve women a week in the UK die as a result of domestic violence and ten women commit suicide every week to escape its horrors.

Ros Walker, strategic co-ordinator for the forum, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Elizabeth as out patron. She will bring a great deal to our cause with her enthusiasm, interest and drive.

“The role will complement her position as High Sheriff who, historically, was the Queen’s representative in a particular county for all matters relating to law and order. People often forget that domestic abuse is a crime.