THE West Devon Women's Aid Outreach Project, which provides a confidential helpline for women experiencing domestic violence, was launched in Okehampton last week.
The helpline, where women can find information and practical support as well as a listening ear, is operated by trained volunteers for three hours a day between noon and 3pm Monday to Friday.
There is also an answerphone service available at all other times which carries the number of the Women's Refuge and South Devon Women's Outreach Project.
The West Devon Domestic Violence Forum and South Devon Women's Aid set up the West Devon Outreach Project to provide support and information to women and their families who are experiencing domestic violence as there is little provision in the district.
Being a predominantly rural area, the isolation and lack of access to services is what the helpline is trying to address.
For those women who need ongoing support, a 'face-to-face' service can be arranged through the helpline.
The need for an outreach project was highlighted by the murder of an Okehampton women by her partner in 1999.
A quarter of all reported crimes is domestic and last year there were 188 reported incidents in West Devon.
One woman in four experiences domestic violence at some stage in their life and a women is killed every three days by a violent partner or ex partner.
The Outreach Project's helpline number is 01837 55228.