Penwith and Kerrier Councils will build sanctuary rooms where, if the abuser returns, the women can shelter until the police arrive.

The Sanctuary Project is the first in Cornwall but has proved to be successful elsewhere in the country.

It has been set up after help from the father of Tammy Little who was murdered by her partner in Hayle in 2000.

My son has for the first time in a number of months returned to sleep in his own room Victim of domestic abuse, west Cornwall

Ron Little heard of the Sanctuary Scheme being run in Kent where he now lives and looks after Tammy's children.

He contacted the police liaison officer Elaine Trethowan in Cornwall and 18 months later the scheme is under way.

He said: "The only way to learn from tragedy is to try and prevent it happening again.

"It is reassuring to everyone who may be suffering from domestic violence in west Cornwall, or who may do so in the future, that this facility is now here for them.

"In my daughter's honour, I am over the moon about the Sanctuary Project becoming a reality"

Reassuring

The project aims to make victims of domestic violence feel safe in their own homes by creating a room with added security such as extra locks, stronger hinges and a door viewer.

A 34-year-old woman from west Cornwall, who asked not to be named, says her son has returned to sleeping in his own room as a result of the sanctuary room.

She said: "Since the locks have been fitted I feel a great deal safer.

"It is just so reassuring to be able to turn the lock and know that the front door can not be kicked in.

"My son has for the first time in a number of months returned to sleep in his own room and we are both a lot happier."