BUS tickets are being printed with helpline numbers in a bid to help women suffering domestic violence to seek support.

Buses across Lancashire have been issuing the pink and black tickets with the slogan "Has your partner hurt you? You don't need the bruises to prove you're hurting."

The campaign has been funded by the Lancashire Domestic Violence Partnership, which includes councils, police, health and specialist domestic violence services, to raise awareness of the help that is available.

Colleen Martin, chairman of the partnership, said: "Domestic violence is still a hidden problem and an under-reported crime.

"We are using bus tickets to get the message across as they are an everyday item which are both anonymous and easily accessible.

"Evidence has shown that similar campaigns in other areas have resulted in a significant increase in the number of calls to helplines."

The bus tickets advertise 10 different local helplines, depending on the area the bus serves.

They offer a confidential service to women experiencing violence or abuse from a partner, ex-partner or close family member.

By calling the number, women can have someone to talk to, get help finding a place to stay, information about their options and referral to other help such as legal advice.