During August I will be walking two (extra) miles a day to raise money for Refuge the charity which supports women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Read the facts and, if you can, please make a donation. The target for each entrant is £150 but more money means more families helped.
The facts from Refuge's website tell a clear story… Domestic abuse is all too common in the UK, and its harmful impacts on survivors can extend to many areas of their lives, including mental health, physical wellbeing and family safety.
Fact: The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds. Yet it is estimated that less than 24 per cent of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police.
Fact: One in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. Domestic abuse feels incredibly isolating, but the numbers tell a different story: you are not alone.
Fact: On average, two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales. If you are afraid of your partner, Refuge is here to help you. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Fact: It takes, on average, seven attempts before a woman is able to leave for good. Leaving an abusive partner is a process, not a single act.
Fact: Domestic abuse is linked to depression and homelessness. Women who experience domestic abuse are twice as likely to experience depression, and 40 per cent of homeless women state domestic abuse as a contributory factor to their homelessness.
Fact: Domestic abuse can lead women to suicide. It is estimated that around three women a week die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse.
Fact: 20 per cent of children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse. That’s one in five kids.
Fact: Domestic abuse gets worse during pregnancy. About 20 per cent of women in Refuge’s services are pregnant or have recently given birth.
Fact: Young girls in the UK report high incidence of sexual violence. 41 per cent of UK girls aged 14 to 17 in an intimate relationship experienced some form of sexual violence from their partner.
Fact: 93 per cent of defendants in domestic abuse cases are male; 84 per cent of victims are female. And yet, women are three times more likely to be arrested for incidents of abuse.
Fact: Domestic abuse costs the UK an estimated £23 billion a year. It is not only weighing on our physical and emotional health, but also our economy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, Refuge is there to help.
The helpline is open 24/7 0800 2000 247