Domestic Violence

It can be: Physical, Emotional, Financial and/or Sexual

LOVE HURTS?
You're not alone
It's not your fault
Don't put up with it
It doesn't hurt to seek help
Just Tell Someone!

Despite the high incidence of reporting domestic abuse, we know that this only reflects a small proportion of the violence experienced by women, and by some men.  There is often a reluctance to disclose domestic abuse and lack of knowledge about where to seek help.

Research findings have shown that:

• At least 1 in 4 women will suffer from domestic abuse in their life time
• 2 women a week will die as a result of domestic abuse - that's 120 a year
• Domestic abuse is a serious health issue and may cause depression and anxiety
• 30% of domestic abuse to women starts or escalates during pregnancy
• Domestic abuse affects people irrespective of race, religion, social group, location, culture, gender or sexuality
• One incident of domestic abuse is reported to the police every minute, every day of every year

The distress, injury and long term psychological harm that is caused to those who experience domestic abuse, and to their children, should not be underestimated.  However, help is available locally.  

Further information about domestic abuse (including information in different languages), go to the Home Office website and/or Greater London Domestic Violence Project website. For information in an easy to read format you can view and download a leaflet here.

Also listen to Barbie's story who after years of living in fear of her violent husband Barbie managed to escape the cycle of domestic violence.