A GWENT council says it is struggling to cope with a growing demand for help and support from victims of domestic abuse.

As the Argus revealed last month, the number of domestic abuse cases in Gwent reached a three-year high last year.

There were 4,312 reported incidents of violence in the home against men and women in 2004, compared with 3,885 cases in 2003.

A report from Torfaen council says that they are 'struggling to meet the new demand for information, support and guidance' from victims of domestic abuse, as more and more people are coming forward to report abuse.

Now the council is considering setting up a 'one-stop-shop' for domestic abuse victims, with different agencies brought together in one building.

Claire Townsend, community safety officer for Torfaen, said: "Domestic abuse is a hidden crime. It's the final taboo that people don't discuss. "Previously we have not known the nature and extent of domestic abuse.

We are now trying to uncover some of that hidden abuse.

"We are struggling to meet the current demand so our fear is if we uncover these unreported crimes we might not be able to cope.

"We are very keen to get this in Torfaen but a lot of capital is needed up front. The will is there but the funding is not.

"It will be very much like a customer care centre with police, local support services, and counsellors all under one roof, a first point of contact.

"It's very difficult for victims of abuse at the moment. Where can they go? For some there's a fear or stigma in going to the police."

Torfaen councillors discussed the idea at a meeting of the housing and community safety overview and scrutiny committee last week.

Councillor Barbara Ryan, chairwoman of the committee, said: "Members are very interested in this plan. We have asked for the community safety partnership to come back to us with more information.

"There are a number of different agencies that need to brought together for it to work, but we really need to do the best we can to help victims."