Early Warning Signs campaign Refuge, national domestic violence charity, launches campaign to save lives With two women being killed every week in England and Wales by a current of former partner, national domestic violence charity Refuge has launched a hard hitting early warning signs domestic violence campaign to save lives. The early warning signs campaign launches in the press today (05/08/08) and on poster sites later this month*. View the advertisement Domestic violence is the biggest social issue affecting women in the country today - it is an issue which not only takes lives but ruins lives in great number. Refuge’s campaign will help women recognise the early warning signs of domestic violence and in so doing prevent them from a life time of abuse. Research, also released today by Refuge, highlights a worrying lack of awareness amongst women of the techniques used by violent men to control women. However, domestic violence is a subject matter that young women are crying out to learn more about. The research shows that: - 81% of women said they received no information about domestic violence when they were at school and yet nearly all of them would have liked to have had lessons about domestic violence as they saw the subject as important
- 95% of respondents recognised physical abuse as domestic violence but only a quarter of respondents understood the more subtle techniques of control such as jealousy and possessiveness as indicators of domestic violence
- And yet approximately a quarter of all the women questioned had experienced jealousy and possessiveness in an intimate partner relationship
- 50% of respondents said they had experienced at least one of the warning signs
- Of this 50% only one fifth of respondents said they would talk to someone about the abuse - and if they were to talk to someone about their experiences, friends followed by family, were the most trusted confidantes
(Yougov research, sample size 513, 18-21 year old wome, 15-21 July 2008n) Sandra Horley, OBE and chief executive of Refuge, says: "Two women are killed every week by a current or former partner. This is a huge statistic and one that we need to start addressing - and addressing fast if we're to save lives and protect young women in the future. "It is essential that women receive the right education and information so they can understand the techniques of control frequently used by abusive men. It's all too easy for women to excuse their partner's possessive and jealous behaviour - but in so doing they run the risk of the abuse increasing in frequency and severity over time. By understanding the signs early a woman is forewarned and forearmed. "I am heartened to see that so many women would welcome this vital education. Refuge urges the government to put domestic violence education and awareness as a top priority - and in so doing we will save lives."  Roxanne Pallett, Jo Sugden from Emmerdale who is currently playing a victim of domestic violence and who is spearheading this campaign, says: "Portraying a victim of domestic violence has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced as an actress. Just playing the role has taken a huge emotional toll on my life, but it is nothing compared to the pain, fear and torment experienced by the thousands of women Refuge supports every day.
"I have no doubt this campaign will give strength to many women who may be experiencing abuse now, or who may do so in the future, to reach out and get help. Refuge's campaign will save lives." Dani, 42, domestic survivor says: "My ex was so charming at the start of our relationship that I felt very flattered by him. But after a short time the jealousy started, along with the mood swings where he readily switched from being charming to being abusive. I lived my life walking on egg shells. I experienced nearly all of the warning signs - I was very closely controlled, criticised and isolated from friends and family. I just didn’t realise that these were the warning signs, I didn't recognise this as domestic violence. If I had known then what I know now, my life would have been quite different." Refuge's early warning signs campaign is also being supported by a number of high profile individuals: Cherie Booth QC “Refuge’s campaign is a warning siren to all women, no matter what their age or background. Everyone hasthe right to live free from control and violence. Don’t ignore the warning signs of domestic violence.” Ruby Wax “I support Refuge’s warning signs campaign because I believe that prevention is better than cure. If Refuge can show women that the control and emotional abuse they are experiencing is very likely to become worse,wemay be able to prevent them from having to experience the pain and torment of domestic violence. We could save lives.” Jo Brand “If just one woman recognises the warning signs of domestic violence and finds the courage to get in touch with Refuge then that is potentially one life saved.” Patrick Stewart “Domestic violence kills two women a week and thousands of women in the UK experience violence and abuse on a daily basis. Refuge’s early warning signs campaign can help women recognise a potential abuser and save them a lifetime of misery and abuse. Domestic violence is an abuse of power and is against the law. Contact Refuge who will give you confidential help and support.”  Wendy Turner Webster
“I suffered domestic violence from the age of 17 - 24 from my then partner. I was too young and naive to see it for what it actually was; not the normal goings on of a healthy and loving relationship but a wicked crime which robbed me of a normal and happy life for all those years. Refuge's new campaign can help young women from becoming trappedby abusive partnersand thus avoid a life time of bitter memories and mental scars.” Mica Paris “Tell your sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues - every woman you know - about the early warning signs of domestic violence. You could save a life.” * Refuge’s domestic violence early warning signs campaign has been undertaken free of charge – all creative, media and media spaces have been donated Additional information about the early warning signs of domestic violence: What are the signs? If a woman is forced to change her behaviour because she is frightened of her partner then she is being abused. If she is experiencing any of the following then it's likely that she's being abused: - Is he jealous and possessive?
- Does he cut her off from family and friends and try to isolate her?
- Is he charming one minute and abusive the next, does he have sudden changes of mood - like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
- Does he control her life - for example money, who she should see, what she should wear?
- Does he monitor her movements?
- Does he blame her for the abuse?
- Does he humiliate or insult her in front of others?
- Does he verbally abuse her?
- Does he constantly criticise her?
- Does he use anger and intimidation to frighten her and to make her comply with his demands?
- Does he tell her she's useless and couldn't cope without him?
- Has he threatened to hurt her or people close to her if she leaves?
- Does she change her behaviour to avoid making him angry and triggering an attack?
- Does he force her to have sex when she doesn’t want to?
And there are also many different ways of being abusive. Here are a few examples: - Damaging a woman’s possessions.
- Smashing up the furniture.
- Threatening to kill the pets.
- Threatening to kidnap or get custody of the children if she leaves.
- Locking her out of the house during an argument.
- Terrorising her by driving fast or through red lights at high speed because he knows it frightens her.
The aim of the behaviour, whether conscious or unconscious – is to take control of the woman’slife. Domestic violence is an abuse of power – it’s all about power and control. |
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Refuge opened the world's first refuge in Chiswick in 1971 and has over 37 years experience working with women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Refuge is the country's largest single provider of specialist accommodation and practical and emotional support to women and children escaping domestic violence. Refuge supports over 1,000 women and children on any given day - and is a national "lifeline" for up to 80,000 women and children every year. Refuge also runs award winning media and advertising campaigns to reach out to women experiencing domestic violence, helping them to break their isolation, whilst raising public awareness and campaigning and lobbying for better provision for women and children experiencing domestic violence. To find out more visit www.refuge.org.uk Contact: Lisa King, Refuge, 07799 712293,lisa_king@refuge.org.uk for further information View the full Early Warning Signs campaign advertisment Read messages of support from celebrities and other supporters Access the press release
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