Early Warning Signs - REFUGE 2008 Campaign

Refuge Early Warning Signs Poster (99k)

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.

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% just over a third of respondents said they had spoken to someone about the abuse - friends, followed by family, were the most trusted confidantes

(Yougov/Refuge research, sample size 513, 18-21 year old women, 15-21 July 2008)

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 has the 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, we may 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 trapped by abusive partners and 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.”