It can be very upsetting to think that someone is hurting a person you care about. Your first instinct may be to want to protect your friend or family member, but intervening can be dangerous for both you and her. Of course, this does not mean you should ignore it; there are things you can do to help make her and any children safer.

IF YOU WITNESS AN ASSAULT YOU CAN CALL THE POLICE ON 999.

It is helpful to remember that:

• Domestic violence is a crime - it is unacceptable.
• Domestic violence is very common. One woman in four experiences domestic violence at some point in her life and an abused woman may live with domestic violence for years before she tells anyone or seeks help.
• Domestic violence is very dangerous. Two women a week are killed by a current or former partner; and where children are part of the family, 90% of them are in the same or next room; domestic violence accounts for 16% of all recorded violent crime.
• All people have the right to live without fear of violence and abuse.
• The abuser is solely responsible for his abusive behaviour. The woman is not to blame; violence is a choice he makes.