A SERIES of nationwide conferences to highlight domestic violence in Asian communities was launched yesterday in East Lancashire.

The event, What are the particular challenges to tackling domestic violence in Asian Communities?, has been organised by the Northern Circuit Domestic Violence Group.

The organisation is a partnership between the Lord Chancellor's Office, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Lancashire police, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office.

The conference, at King George's Hall. Blackburn, focused on the issues of forced marriages and trafficking in children as forms of domestic violence.

Five more conferences will be held throughout the country, funded by the Lord Chancellor's Department.

A variety of professionals addressed the conference, putting particular emphasis on engaging the Asian community.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizen's rights and consumer affairs, and chairman of the multi-agency Domestic Abuse Partnership, made the opening address.

She said: "This conference focused on how all agencies can tackle all forms of domestic violence in the UK Asian communities. This is not to say that domestic violence is particularly prevalent in these communities.

"We do, however, recognise that there are additional needs and barriers that need to be considered for Asian women to receive the appropriate advice and support that they require.

"By bringing together national and local government, as well as other agencies, we hope to increase our understanding of the needs of Asian women facing domestic abuse and learn more about how we can support them."