Facts and Figures

FACT: Domestic Abuse Causes Physical Harm And Death
Home Office figures show that in the UK, on average, two women are killed every week by a partner or ex-partner.

FACT: Domestic Abuse Causes Poor Mental Health
A 1996 study by Stark and Flitcraft found that domestic abuse is a factor in 25% of suicide attempts by women.

FACT: Domestic Abuse Causes Homelessness
Two people are made homeless every hour in the UK because of domestic abuse.
40% of homeless women cite domestic abuse as a contributor to their situation, as found by Shelter in 2002.

FACT: Domestic Abuse Affects Children, Even Before They Are Born
The Women and Equality Unit, which supports the Ministers for Women, found that nearly a third of domestic abuse starts when the woman becomes pregnant, and existing domestic abuse often escalates during pregnancy.
90% of children whose mother experiences domestic abuse witness the abuse, by either seeing it or hearing it.

FACT: Domestic Abuse Affects Everyone
‘ The Cost of Domestic Violence’, a study brought out in September 2004, found that in England and Wales alone the estimated cost to criminal justice, health, social, housing and legal services every year for tackling domestic abuse is £3 billion. This does not even include the cost of the support services required to tackle the emotional and mental aftermath of abuse.

FACT: We Are All Responsible For Domestic Abuse
A BBC poll conducted in 2003 found that nearly 80% of people would intervene if they thought that someone was kicking and abusing their dog but only 50% would intervene if they thought that someone was kicking and abusing their partner.

FACT: Abusers Are Getting Away With It
A report by the CPS Inspectorate in February 2004 found that fewer than 3% of domestic abuse incidences reported to the police resulted in a conviction.
In 2002 the Home Office reported that less than 35% of actual domestic abuse crime is reported to the police.

FACT: Domestic Abuse Is A Hidden Problem
The 2000 Killingbeck Project found that, on average, victims of domestic abuse are assaulted 35 times before they gain the courage or opportunity to seek help.

FACT: There Is Help If You Need It
Women’s Aid Monmouthshire receives hundreds of referrals every year, and we have given refuge, support and information to thousands of women and children since we were established over 25 years ago. We can offer refuge, practical and emotional support, information regarding housing issues, legal rights, and matters relating to children, we can help you with filling out forms, attending important appointments, and rebuilding your self-confidence. If we think you would benefit from help from other agencies then we can refer you to them too. If you have experienced domestic abuse and you need help and support because of it, we will not turn you away.