Domestic Abuse

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As Red Nose Day approaches, Comic Relief is shining a light on the extent of domestic abuse across the UK.

Charities funded by Red Nose Day report overwhelming demand from those suffering every single day behind closed doors; an endemic which saw 1.2 million women experiencing domestic abuse in the last year and two women killed each week in England and Wales because of domestic violence.

Figures released by the National Domestic Violence Helpline, a vital support service launched by Comic Relief in 2003 and run in partnership by Women’s Aid and Refuge, show that demand for domestic abuse crisis assistance is at an all-time high with on average a staggering 230 calls received every day.

Gilly Green, Head of UK Grants for Comic Relief, says:

“More and more women are finding the courage to come forward, which will help to tackle the stigma that continues to surround domestic abuse and ensure more people get the support they need."However, domestic abuse is still a reality for far too many people and help often comes too late. It is vital that we keep the spotlight on domestic abuse, encourage more women to seek help, and make sure that they receive the support they need as early and as easily as possible.”

With more and more people speaking out about their experiences, latest research also underlines that anyone can experience domestic abuse.

Statistics from the Femicide Census released in December 2016 show that more than one quarter (25.7%) of victims of femicide were over the age of 56.

Gilly Green adds:

“Little has previously been known about older victims of domestic abuse, with services currently largely geared to younger women. This abuse doesn’t just happen within couples – many women experience abuse at the hands of their children, which can be an impossible thing to talk about. Funds raised by this year’s Red Nose Day will help us to better support older victims of domestic abuse, whose specific needs have been largely misunderstood.”

As part of Comic Relief’s wider efforts to raise awareness about the issue of domestic abuse and to provide support for victims, Netmums have hosted a Facebook Live session with a spokesperson from Refuge who offered expert advice about how to get help....

To further highlight the issue, grime artist Rapman has recorded an exclusive track, ‘Promise’ for Red Nose Day 2017, telling the story of a young pregnant woman who becomes trapped in a controlling relationship....

*Warning* contains abusive language and violence

Comic Relief is seeking to give a voice to survivors and victims of domestic abuse, to encourage other victims to find the strength to seek help.

One survivor received support from a Comic Relief funded project and will soon begin studying for a Masters on the issues around domestic abuse, while also providing support for other victims; another is a peer mentor for mothers after her own ordeal saw police being called to her home 11 times before she was able to seek help.

Polly Neate, CEO at Women’s Aid highlights the different forms that domestic abuse can take. “Many of us think of physical violence when we talk about domestic abuse, but it’s crucial that people understand any form of control – be it repeated comments about weight and appearance, controlling access to money, or restricting your contact with friends, family and even social media – is abusive.”

To help address the unprecedented demand for the services it funds, Comic Relief has opened a new ‘Tech vs Abuse’ programme. This initiative is currently open for applications from organisations seeking funds for innovative new solutions that use technology to support the hardest to reach victims of abuse. Some of the money raised during this year’s Red Nose Day will fund more initiatives to help provide early support victims of domestic abuse. Comic Relief is also partnering with Women’s Aid to tackle hidden domestic abuse by training community members – from hairdressers, priests and even sales reps – to spot the signs of domestic abuse.

Money raised by Comic Relief will transform people's lives in the UK and across the world's poorest communities, including people affected by domestic abuse.

I have seen first hand just how much of a devastating effect domestic abuse can have on a person, and their family.

Together we can change things for 100's of people who are suffering from abuse, feeling isolated, and not knowing where to turn for help and support.

Donate now by visiting https://my.rednoseday.com/sponsor/missybteamhonk

Together we can make a difference, and help save lives!

Missy x

For the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, call free on 0808 2000 247 or, for more information, got to www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

About Missy B

Marissa Bird

Marissa Bird is a busy mum of six, blogging the realities of parenting, whilst trying to keep her sanity by reading books and taking photographs in her spare time... if she can ever find any!

Domestic Abuse

About Missy B

Marissa Bird

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