Facts

Domestic abuse can begin at any stage of a relationship and may continue after the relationship has ended. It can take many forms - not just physical attacks, but bullying, threats, mental and verbal abuse and humiliation. Domestic abuse is usually experienced by women, but this is not always the case, men can be the victims of Domestic abuse, and it can arise in other family relationships.

In Lincolnshire, there has been a women’s refuge for many years. Lots of women and children have passed through the doors, and moved on to a new life. Nationally, over 50,000 women and children stay in the network of 250 refuges throughout England every year.

Domestic abuse is a crime that affects a quarter of all women in Britain at some time in their lives, regardless of their class or ethnicity. It accounted for almost half (44%) of all incidents reported by women to the British Crime Survey in 1996. Each year, 45% of female homicide victims are killed by a present or former partner (2 women a week in England and Wales alone).

The statistics speak for themselves, but don’t represent the very personal - and often silent - suffering that women and children endure. Psychologists in the USA have found parallels between the effects of Domestic abuse on women and the impact of torture and imprisonment on hostages.

One question frequently asked is “Why doesn’t she just leave". It seems quite straight forward, however, the reality is somewhat different. Women stay in violent relationships for reasons ranging from love to terror. They may fear poverty and isolation, worry about becoming homeless or losing their children. They may also be afraid of the repercussions - violence often continues and may escalate in severity after separation, and many women experience continued abuse and harassment from their ex-partner years after ‘leaving’.

It takes enormous courage to break out of a violent relationship and make decisions and choices that will change your life completely, forever. The experience of Domestic abuse within a relationship has a complex impact, there may not be a simple solution. Each woman's experience is unique, and dealing with abuse is a process - a woman may need continuing support over time.