Women suffering beatings and cruelty at the hands of violent husbands and partners are to benefit from an £800,000 crackdown in Sussex.

The Government funding was announced yesterday with £398,882 going to The Women's Refuge, in Brighton, and £423,186 for an East Sussex County Council outreach programme in the Hastings and Rother area.

The boost was announced by Home Office minister Paul Boateng.

Research shows that around 23 per cent of women are raped by a partner and two women die every week at the hands of partners or ex-partners.

Jean Calder, of Brighton's Women Refuge, said: "I would say it's long overdue and I am delighted it has happened.

"I hope very much that what it means is there will be recognition that projects of this kind need national funding and secure funding in the long-term, because there is a deep- rooted problem of Domestic violence in our society and it will take radical measures to end it."

The funding is to be used for a new service working alongside the current Outreach Service, which provides a telephone helpline, advice and support sessions and legal advice.

The new Intimidation Witness Support Service, a pilot project, will offer support and advice to victims, with the co-operation of specialist police officers, to help women take their cases to the courts.

It aims to see more prosecutions in a bid to eventually curb the number of incidents. But Ms Calder stressed the centre would support women whether they wanted to take their case to court or not.

A specialist post will also be created to look at the safety of children. The holder will work closely with police, health and social services.

The money will fund the services, which should be fully up and running by January, for 18 months.

The Brighton's Women Project, which opened in 1994, also offers secure accommodation to a number of families fleeing violent men. Elsewhere in Sussex £423,186 has gone towards a crisis and outreach programme in the Hastings and Rother area.

Minister Paul Boateng said: "Domestic violence, rape and sexual assault are abhorrent crimes and cannot be tolerated.

"The winning projects all show tremendous imagination, dedication and commitment to raising awareness and dealing with violence against women."

The helpline for The Brighton's Women's Refuge is 01273 622822.